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
Free tracker included with every download this week
What Is an Ideal Body Weight Chart?
An ideal body weight chart is a reference guide showing the healthy weight range for adults based on height. However, "ideal" weight varies significantly between individuals due to differences in muscle mass, bone density, genetics, and body composition. The NHS recommends using your BMI (body mass index) alongside waist circumference as a more reliable health guide than a single "ideal" weight figure. Our free BMI calculator above can help you find your personal healthy weight range instantly.
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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.
How to Use an Ideal Body Weight Chart
Ideal body weight charts typically use formulas to estimate a target weight range for your height. The most common UK and clinical formulas are:
- Devine Formula: Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet; Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg per inch over 5 feet
- Robinson Formula: Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg per inch over 5 feet; Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg per inch over 5 feet
For example, using the Devine Formula, a man who is 5ft 10in (1.78m) would have an ideal weight of approximately 77 kg (12st 2lbs). However, these are estimates only. Your GP can discuss what weight is healthiest for your individual health, medical history, and lifestyle. Our weight converter tool can help you switch between kg, stone, and pounds for any calculation.
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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.
NHS Healthy Weight Guidance vs. "Ideal" Weight
Rather than targeting a single "ideal" number, the NHS recommends aiming for a healthy weight range based on your BMI. For most UK adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. This means your weight range depends entirely on your height. For example, at 5ft 8in (1.73m), a healthy weight range is approximately 55–75 kg (8st 10lbs to 11st 10lbs). The NHS also emphasises that waist circumference matters: men should aim for under 94cm (37in), and women under 80cm (31.5in). If you're overweight or obese, losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly improve your health. Use our free BMI calculator to find your personal healthy weight range based on NHS thresholds.
- 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 difference between "ideal" weight and "healthy" weight?
Ideal weight is a theoretical target based on height formulas, while healthy weight is determined by your BMI range and overall health profile. Healthy weight accounts for muscle mass, genetics, and individual health conditions. The NHS recommends focusing on your BMI range (18.5–24.9) rather than a single ideal figure.
Are ideal body weight charts accurate?
Ideal weight charts provide useful reference points but have significant limitations. They don't account for muscle mass, bone density, ethnicity, age, or medical conditions. A muscular person may have a high BMI but low body fat. Always discuss your personal healthy weight with your GP rather than relying on charts alone.
Can I use an ideal body weight chart if I'm trying to lose weight?
Yes, but use it alongside NHS BMI guidance. If you're overweight, calculate your healthy weight range using your height, then aim to reach the lower end of that range gradually. Losing 0.5–1 kg per week is sustainable. Our weight loss calculator can help you plan realistic targets. Weight management should always include diet, physical activity, and if appropriate, medical support.
How do ethnicity-adjusted weight charts work?
The NHS recognises that adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. These groups may be offered NHS health support at a BMI of 27.5+ rather than 30+. If you're from one of these backgrounds, discuss your personal health thresholds with your GP, as standard charts may not reflect your individual risk profile.
What should I do if my ideal weight seems unrealistic?
Focus on health outcomes rather than a number. Losing even 5–10% of your current weight significantly improves blood pressure, blood sugar, and joint health. Work with your GP or a weight management service to set gradual, achievable targets. Our progress tracker helps you monitor improvements beyond weight, including energy levels and health markers.
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.