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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Ideal Weight Chart for Women — UK Reference Guide
There is no single "ideal" weight for women — it varies based on height, age, muscle mass, and individual health. However, the NHS provides evidence-based healthy weight ranges based on BMI, which is a useful starting point. This guide shows average UK weights, healthy weight ranges by height, and the factors that affect what's truly ideal for you personally. Use our free BMI calculator to check where your weight falls, and our weight converter to switch between kg and stone measurements.
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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 Weight Ranges for Women by Height (UK Data)
The NHS defines a healthy BMI as between 18.5 and 24.9 for adult women. Using this standard, here are healthy weight ranges by height in both metric and UK measurements:
- 5ft 0in (152cm): 47–64 kg (7st 5lbs – 10st 1lbs)
- 5ft 2in (157cm): 50–67 kg (7st 12lbs – 10st 8lbs)
- 5ft 4in (163cm): 55–74 kg (8st 8lbs – 11st 8lbs)
- 5ft 6in (168cm): 59–79 kg (9st 4lbs – 12st 6lbs)
- 5ft 8in (173cm): 63–84 kg (9st 13lbs – 13st 3lbs)
- 5ft 10in (178cm): 68–91 kg (10st 10lbs – 14st 5lbs)
These ranges represent the healthy weight for height in the UK. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator to see where you fall within these ranges.
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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.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Body Weight
Your truly ideal weight depends on more than just height. Muscle tissue weighs more than fat, so athletic women with high muscle mass may have a higher weight while maintaining excellent health. Age affects metabolism and muscle loss — older women naturally carry less muscle. Frame size (whether you're naturally slim or larger-boned) influences your ideal weight. Ethnicity also matters: the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean women due to higher health risk at lower weights. Individual health conditions, medications, and family history all play a role. Work with your GP to understand what healthy weight means for you specifically, rather than aiming for a single number.
- 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 average weight for a UK woman?
The average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs) and stands 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in) tall, giving an average BMI of around 27.4. However, average does not mean ideal or healthy — the healthy range is lower.
Is BMI the only way to check if my weight is healthy?
No. BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and doesn't account for where fat is stored. Waist circumference is also important — the NHS recommends under 80cm (31.5in) for women, with over 88cm (34.5in) indicating increased health risk.
What if I'm below the healthy weight range?
Being significantly underweight (BMI below 18.5) can indicate health risks including nutrient deficiency, weakened immunity, and bone loss. Speak to your GP if your weight is below the healthy range for your height to discuss whether weight gain would benefit your health.
How do I work out my healthy weight range for my height?
The healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9. Multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by 18.5 and 24.9 to get your lower and upper healthy weight. Use our free BMI calculator above for instant calculation at your personal height.
Do I need to reach my ideal weight chart number to be healthy?
Not necessarily. Losing even 5–10% of your body weight can improve blood pressure, blood sugar, and joint health. Gradual weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week is sustainable. Focus on health improvements rather than hitting a specific number on a chart.
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.