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 the Ideal Height and Weight for Adults?
There is no single "ideal" height and weight that applies to everyone — but there is a healthy weight range for your height based on NHS guidelines. Your ideal weight depends on factors including your age, muscle mass, frame size, and overall health. The NHS uses BMI (body mass index) as a screening tool to help determine whether a weight is healthy for a given height. For most UK adults, a healthy weight falls within a BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. However, for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds (18.5 to 22.9). Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your height.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 Calculate Your Healthy Weight Range
Your healthy weight range is calculated using your height and the BMI formula. The NHS defines a healthy BMI as between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adults. To find your healthy weight range for your height, use this method:
- Lower healthy weight: height (m)² × 18.5
- Upper healthy weight: height (m)² × 24.9
For example, an adult who is 1.75 metres tall (5ft 9in) would have a healthy weight range of approximately 55kg (8st 9lbs) to 76kg (11st 13lbs). You can convert these figures instantly using our free weight converter above. The NHS emphasises that BMI is a screening tool, not a perfect measure — it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored on your body. Your GP can provide personalised health advice about what weight is right for you.
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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.
Other Factors That Affect Your Ideal Weight
Age and metabolism: Metabolic rate naturally decreases with age, meaning you may need fewer calories to maintain the same weight. Muscle mass: Muscle weighs more than fat, so athletes or very active people may have a higher healthy weight for their height. Bone density and frame size: People with larger frames naturally weigh more. Health conditions: Certain medical conditions affect your ideal weight. Ethnicity: The NHS recognises that some ethnic groups face higher health risks at lower BMI levels, so lower thresholds apply. Rather than focusing solely on weight, the NHS also recommends monitoring waist circumference — men over 94cm (37in) and women over 80cm (31.5in) have increased health risks regardless of BMI. Your GP can assess your personal healthy weight in context.
- 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 considered a healthy weight for my height in the UK?
According to NHS guidelines, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 for most adults. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, the healthy range is 18.5 to 22.9. Use our free BMI calculator to find your personal healthy weight range — it's unique to your height. Your GP can also discuss what's healthy for you individually.
Is there an "ideal" weight everyone should aim for?
No — there is no universal ideal weight. Healthy weight varies by height, age, muscle mass, frame size, and individual health factors. BMI provides a screening range, but it has limitations. Focus on achieving a weight that feels sustainable, supports good health, and fits your lifestyle. A registered dietitian can help you set realistic, personalised goals.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range?
Multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by 18.5 (lower range) and 24.9 (upper range). For example, at 1.70m tall: 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89; 2.89 × 18.5 = 53.5kg (lower); 2.89 × 24.9 = 71.9kg (upper). So the healthy range is approximately 53–72kg. Use our free BMI calculator and weight converter for gradual improvement.
Should I aim for a specific weight, or is a range okay?
A healthy weight range is more realistic and sustainable than a single target weight. The NHS recommends staying within your healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) rather than chasing one exact number. Small fluctuations of 1–2kg are normal. What matters most is consistency, sustainable lifestyle habits, and overall health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Does my ideal weight change as I get older?
Yes. Metabolism naturally slows with age, so you may need to adjust calorie intake to maintain the same weight. Additionally, you may lose muscle mass and bone density as you age, which can affect what a healthy weight looks like for you. Regular physical activity and adequate protein intake help preserve muscle. Your GP can advise on healthy weight management at different life stages.
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.