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's the ideal weight for a 5'3 woman?
For a woman who is 5'3 (160 cm), a healthy weight range based on NHS BMI guidelines is approximately 50 to 67 kg (7 stone 12 lbs to 10 stone 7 lbs). However, "ideal" weight varies depending on individual factors including muscle mass, bone density, and overall health. Rather than aiming for a single number, the healthiest approach is to aim for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which represents the healthy weight range for your height. Our free BMI calculator above can help you find your personal BMI instantly based on your current weight.
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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 5'3 women using NHS BMI thresholds
According to NHS guidelines, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 for all adults. For a woman who is 5'3 (160 cm), this translates to a healthy weight range of:
- Lower bound: 50 kg (7 stone 12 lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper bound: 67 kg (10 stone 7 lbs) — BMI 24.9
If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds: 18.5 to 22.9 BMI, which corresponds to 50 to 64 kg (7 stone 12 lbs to 10 stone 1 lb). This is because research shows these populations face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. Use our weight converter to translate these ranges into your preferred measurements, and try our BMI calculator to see exactly where your current weight falls within the healthy range.
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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.
Using the healthy weight calculator to find your personal ideal weight
Rather than targeting a single "ideal" number, the most practical approach is to work within your healthy weight range and use a structured tool to monitor progress. Our free healthy weight calculator helps you identify the exact BMI-based range for your height, age, and individual health context. You can also use our progress tracker to log your current weight and track changes over time. If you're working towards a healthier weight, your GP can also provide personalised advice based on your medical history and any weight-related health conditions. Remember: sustainable weight loss happens gradually, typically at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week, alongside balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
- 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 UK weight for a woman aged 5'3?
The average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg overall, but this varies significantly by height, age, and individual circumstances. At 5'3, your healthy weight range is 50–67 kg based on NHS BMI guidelines, which is the best reference point rather than national averages.
Is there a difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
Yes. "Healthy weight" refers to the BMI range (18.5–24.9) associated with lower health risks. "Ideal weight" is more personal and depends on muscle mass, genetics, and individual goals. The healthy weight range is the medically recommended target.
How do I calculate my ideal weight for my height?
Use the BMI formula: healthy weight range = BMI 18.5–24.9 multiplied by your height in metres squared. For 5'3 (1.6 m), that's 50–67 kg. Our free BMI calculator on this page does this instantly for you.
Should I aim for the lower or upper end of the healthy weight range?
Neither is inherently "better"—it depends on your body composition, muscle mass, and how you feel. Some people naturally sit at the lower end, others at the upper end, and both can be healthy. Your GP can advise based on your individual health profile.
What if I'm below or above the healthy weight range for 5'3?
If you're below 50 kg, you may be underweight; above 67 kg, you may be overweight. Either way, your GP can assess whether your weight affects your health and discuss options including nutrition, exercise, or, if appropriate, weight management support.
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.