The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
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Height Weight and Age Charts for UK Adults
Finding a healthy weight for your height and age is one of the most practical ways to understand whether your current weight poses any health risks. In the UK, the NHS uses BMI (body mass index) as the primary screening tool for healthy weight, alongside other measures like waist circumference. Unlike age-specific charts for children, adult healthy weight ranges are based on height alone — age doesn't significantly change what's considered healthy for adults. This guide explains how UK health guidance works and how you can find your own healthy weight range using simple tools and NHS standards.
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Calculate Your BMI Instantly
Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
UK Healthy Weight Standards and How They Work
The NHS defines a healthy weight using BMI categories, which apply equally to all adults regardless of age (though older adults may have slightly different health considerations). A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adults of white European descent. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds starting at BMI 18.5–22.9, as these groups face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
To find your healthy weight range for your height, use our free BMI calculator above to enter your current measurements, or use the weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and lbs. For example, if you're 170cm (5ft 7in) tall, a healthy weight range is approximately 53–73kg (8st 5lbs to 11st 7lbs). Your GP can provide personalised guidance based on your individual health, medications, and medical history — BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis.
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5
- Healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25.0–29.9
- Obese: BMI 30.0 and above
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
Important Limitations and Other Health Measures
Height-weight charts based on BMI alone have real limitations. BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat — an athlete or someone with significant muscle mass may have a high BMI but actually be very healthy. BMI also doesn't account for where fat is stored on your body; fat around the waist (central obesity) carries higher health risks than fat stored elsewhere. The NHS therefore recommends also checking your waist circumference: for men, over 94cm (37 inches) indicates increased health risk, and over 102cm (40 inches) indicates high risk. For women, increased risk starts at 80cm (31.5 inches) and high risk at 88cm (34.5 inches).
Age itself doesn't change healthy weight ranges for adults, though older adults may need different management strategies due to muscle loss and other age-related changes. Always speak to your GP if you're unsure about your healthy weight or if you've experienced significant recent weight changes.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
What is the healthy weight for a 5ft 6in woman in UK measurements?
At 168cm (5ft 6in), a healthy BMI weight range is approximately 52–71kg (8st 2lbs to 11st 2lbs). Use our free BMI calculator or weight converter above to check your exact healthy range based on your current weight. Your GP can provide personalised advice if you're concerned about your weight.
Do weight charts change as you get older?
No — healthy BMI ranges (18.5–24.9) are the same for all adults regardless of age. However, older adults may experience muscle loss and need different health management strategies. Your GP can advise on age-specific health considerations for you personally.
Why are there different healthy weight ranges for different ethnic backgrounds?
Research shows that adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage face higher health risks (particularly type 2 diabetes and heart disease) at lower BMI levels than other groups. The NHS therefore recommends lower thresholds (BMI 18.5–22.9) for these populations to identify health risks earlier.
Is BMI the only measure of healthy weight?
No. The NHS recommends using BMI alongside waist circumference, as where fat is stored matters for health. Waist measurement indicates central obesity risk. BMI also doesn't account for muscle mass — athletes may have high BMI but be healthy. Always discuss your weight with your GP for personalised guidance.
Can I use height-weight charts to check my child's weight?
No — children use age and sex-specific growth charts (UK90 centile charts), not adult BMI categories. Use the NHS Healthy Weight Calculator if you're concerned about your child's weight, or ask your GP or health visitor for guidance.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.