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 for a 5 Foot 6 Woman — NHS BMI Guide
The ideal weight for a 5 foot 6 woman falls within the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 according to NHS guidelines. For your height of 168 cm, this translates to a healthy weight range of approximately 52 to 70 kg (8 stone 2 lbs to 11 stone 0 lbs). However, what's ideal varies based on factors like muscle mass, bone structure, and overall health. Our free BMI calculator above can help you determine where your current weight sits within the healthy range and identify your personal ideal body weight based on your individual circumstances.
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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 Weight Range for 5 Foot 6 in Stone and Kilograms
Using the NHS BMI framework, the healthy weight range for a woman who is 5 foot 6 (168 cm) is calculated by applying the BMI formula. A healthy BMI sits between 18.5 and 24.9, which for your height equals approximately 52 to 70 kg.
Breaking this down into UK measurements:
- Lower healthy weight: 52 kg = 8 stone 2 lbs
- Upper healthy weight: 70 kg = 11 stone 0 lbs
- Midpoint (average healthy weight): 61 kg = 9 stone 8 lbs
It's important to note that this is a general healthy weight range. Your individual ideal weight may differ based on factors like muscle mass, bone density, ethnicity, and any existing health conditions. For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, NHS guidelines suggest lower BMI thresholds may apply — discuss this with your GP if relevant to 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.
How to Find Your Ideal Weight Using BMI
The most practical way to determine your ideal weight is to use the healthy weight range for your height as a starting point, then work with your GP to identify what's realistic for your body and health goals. Our BMI calculator on this page lets you instantly enter your height, weight, and age to see where you fall within the healthy range.
Remember that BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass or where fat is stored. If you're concerned about your weight or health, your GP can provide personalised guidance based on your complete health picture, including waist circumference and other health markers.
- 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.
Is 70 kg a healthy weight for a 5 foot 6 woman?
At 5ft 6 (168 cm), 70 kg gives a BMI of 24.8, which falls at the upper end of the NHS healthy weight range (18.5–24.9). It's within the healthy range, though if you're above this weight, modest loss can benefit health. Use our weight converter to check your current weight in stone and kg, then use the BMI calculator to see your personal BMI.
What is average UK weight for women 5 foot 6?
The average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs), though this varies widely. However, average weight is higher than the ideal healthy weight range. For a woman who is 5ft 6, the healthy weight range is 52–70 kg. Your ideal weight depends on your individual health, fitness level, and medical history rather than the average.
Can the healthy weight range change based on my ethnicity?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels. For these groups, a healthy BMI may start at 18.5–22.9 instead of 18.5–24.9. Discuss your personal ideal weight range with your GP if you fall into these categories.
How do I calculate my ideal weight if I'm very muscular?
BMI has limitations for very muscular individuals because it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass. If you're athletic or strength-trained, your BMI might be higher even though you're fit. Your GP or a healthcare professional can assess your health more comprehensively using waist circumference, body composition analysis, and overall health markers.
What's the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
Healthy weight is based on BMI science and reflects a range where most people have lower health risks. Ideal weight is more personal — it's the weight at which you feel healthy, energetic, and able to maintain your lifestyle. The healthy weight range gives you a target, but your ideal weight within that range depends on your body, genetics, and goals. Talk to your GP 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.