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 5'6" Man?
For a man who is 5'6" (168cm) tall, the ideal weight range according to NHS guidelines is between 55kg and 74kg, or 8 stone 8 pounds to 11 stone 8 pounds in UK measurements. This range corresponds to a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which is the threshold for reduced health risk. However, the ideal weight for any individual depends on factors like muscle mass, frame size, and personal health goals. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range and check where you currently stand.
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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 5'6" Men — BMI-Based Calculation
The healthy weight range for 5'6" men is 55–74kg (8st 8lbs–11st 8lbs), based on the NHS BMI framework where a healthy BMI sits between 18.5 and 24.9.
Here's how this breaks down:
- Lower healthy limit (BMI 18.5): 55kg (8st 8lbs) — slightly lean but within healthy range
- Upper healthy limit (BMI 24.9): 74kg (11st 8lbs) — fit and healthy
These figures apply to adult men with average muscle mass and frame size. Men with larger frames or more muscle may be healthy at the higher end or slightly above this range, whilst leaner individuals may be healthy at the lower end. The key is that your weight for height falls within a range that reduces your risk of weight-related health conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Calculate your personal BMI using the calculator on this page to see exactly where you sit within this 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.
How to Use BMI to Find Your Ideal Weight
Rather than a single "ideal" number, think of your healthy weight as a range based on your BMI and individual health profile. You can use our free BMI calculator above to work backwards: enter your height and any weight within the 55–74kg range, and you'll see a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
For personal guidance on what weight is truly ideal for you — considering your muscle mass, activity level, and any health conditions — speak with your GP or a registered dietitian. They can factor in whether you're athletic (muscle weighs more than fat) or have specific health goals. Remember, even losing 5–10% of your current weight can significantly improve health markers if you're above the healthy range, so aim for progress rather than perfection.
- 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 55–74kg definitely the ideal weight for every 5'6" man?
No — this is the healthy BMI range based on NHS guidelines, but individual factors matter. Men with larger frames, higher muscle mass (such as athletes), or specific health conditions may have a different ideal weight. Your GP can give personalised advice based on your health profile, not just height.
What's the average UK weight for a man who is 5'6"?
The average UK adult man weighs around 85.7kg (13st 7lbs), though average height is slightly taller at 5'9". For a 5'6" man, average weight may be slightly lower, but average does not equal healthy — many UK adults are overweight or obese by BMI standards.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range myself?
Use the formula: healthy weight = height (in metres) squared × 18.5 to 24.9. For 5'6" (1.68m): 1.68² = 2.82. Then 2.82 × 18.5 = 52.2kg (lower) and 2.82 × 24.9 = 70.2kg (upper). Our BMI calculator does this instantly.
Does muscle change what my ideal weight should be?
Yes. Muscle weighs more than fat, so athletic men may have a higher weight within or slightly above the healthy BMI range but still be very healthy. BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so discuss your specific situation with your GP.
What should I do if I'm above the ideal weight range?
Losing weight gradually (0.5–1kg per week) through sustainable diet and exercise changes is recommended by the NHS. Even a 5–10% reduction in body weight improves blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Speak to your GP about a weight management plan tailored to you.
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.