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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Hip Circumference — Why It Matters for Your Health
Hip circumference is the measurement around the widest part of your hips and buttocks, measured horizontally at skin level. It's an important health indicator used alongside BMI and waist measurement to assess body composition and health risk. The NHS recognises hip circumference as part of a fuller picture of health — not just weight alone. Understanding your hip circumference helps identify where fat is stored on your body, which can indicate different health risks. Combined with waist measurement, hip circumference gives a more complete view of whether your weight distribution poses health concerns.
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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.
Healthy Hip Circumference Ranges for Adults
There are no strict NHS-defined "healthy" hip circumference ranges like there are for BMI, but research shows hip measurement is relevant to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Generally, hip circumference varies widely based on individual frame size, muscle mass, and genetics — what matters more is the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio.
- Waist-to-hip ratio: Divide waist circumference by hip circumference. A ratio below 0.9 for men and below 0.85 for women is associated with lower health risk.
- Waist-to-height ratio: Healthy ratio is below 0.5 for all adults — this is often a better predictor of metabolic health than BMI alone.
- Individual variation: Hip circumference alone doesn't determine health — genetics, muscle mass, and overall fitness all play a role.
Use our free BMI calculator alongside these measurements to get a complete picture of your health status.
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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.
Why Hip Circumference Matters More Than You Think
Where your body stores fat is as important as how much fat you carry. Research shows that central fat storage (around the abdomen) carries greater health risk than hip and thigh fat distribution. Hip circumference, combined with waist measurement, helps identify this pattern. A larger hip circumference relative to waist can indicate safer fat distribution, whilst a large waist with smaller hips suggests higher cardiovascular risk.
The NHS health guidance emphasises measuring both waist and hip circumference as part of weight management assessments. If you're tracking weight loss or working with a healthcare provider on weight management, including these measurements alongside your progress tracker gives a clearer picture than weight alone. Our weight converter and BMI calculator are useful tools to understand your overall health status alongside these measurements.
- 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's the difference between hip circumference and waist circumference?
Waist circumference measures around your natural waist (above the navel, at the narrowest point). Hip circumference measures around the widest part of your hips and buttocks. Both matter — your waist-to-hip ratio indicates where you store fat and associated health risks. Waist circumference is particularly important; the NHS highlights that men with waist over 102cm and women over 88cm face elevated health risks.
How do I measure my hip circumference accurately?
Stand without clothes or with light clothing. Wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping it horizontal and parallel to the ground. Don't pull the tape tight — it should sit snugly but allow one finger underneath. Take the measurement at the end of a natural breath. Measure twice to ensure accuracy. Record in centimetres (cm) or inches, depending on your preference.
Is hip circumference more important than BMI for health?
Hip circumference is not more important than BMI, but it provides different information. BMI indicates overall weight relative to height; hip circumference shows fat distribution. The NHS recommends using both alongside waist measurement for a complete health picture. Fat distribution matters because central fat (around the belly) carries greater cardiovascular risk than hip fat. Use our BMI calculator to check your BMI alongside these measurements.
What should my waist-to-hip ratio be?
A healthy waist-to-hip ratio is generally below 0.9 for men and below 0.85 for women. However, the waist-to-height ratio (below 0.5 for all adults) is increasingly recognised as a better predictor of metabolic health. If you're concerned about your measurements or weight distribution, discuss these results with your GP for personalised advice.
Does hip circumference change with weight loss?
Yes, hip circumference typically decreases with sustainable weight loss, though the rate varies between individuals. Some people lose hip and thigh fat before abdominal fat, or vice versa — this is determined partly by genetics. If you're tracking weight loss, measuring hip and waist circumference alongside your weight gives a fuller picture. Our progress tracker helps you log multiple measurements over time.
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.