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 5'6" Man — UK Health Reference
For a man who is 5 feet 6 inches (168cm) tall, the healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is approximately 59 to 79 kilograms (9 stone 4 lbs to 12 stone 6 lbs). This range is based on a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. However, ideal weight varies depending on muscle mass, frame size, and individual health factors. Use our free BMI calculator to determine where your personal weight falls and what your ideal weight range means for your health.
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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 Range At 5'6" — Data & Reference
For a man with a height of 5'6" (168cm), the healthy weight range is 59–79 kg (130–174 lbs or 9st 4lbs–12st 6lbs) according to NHS BMI guidelines. This is calculated using a healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9.
- Lower healthy limit: 59 kg (130 lbs / 9st 4lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper healthy limit: 79 kg (174 lbs / 12st 6lbs) — BMI 24.9
- Overweight threshold: 80 kg and above (BMI 25.0)
- Obese threshold: 95 kg and above (BMI 30.0)
The ideal midpoint within this healthy range is approximately 69 kg (11st 2lbs), which represents a BMI of 21.6. This sits comfortably in the centre of the healthy weight zone. However, ideal weight for height UK standards acknowledge that muscle mass, bone density, and frame size all affect what is genuinely healthy for an individual man.
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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 Weight
Ideal body weight is not one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence what weight is truly healthy for you at 5'6":
- Muscle mass: Muscular men may weigh more whilst remaining healthy because muscle is denser than fat
- Frame size: Men with larger bone structure and frame naturally carry more weight
- Age: Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, so weight expectations change over time
- Ethnicity: NHS guidance recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage due to higher health risks at equivalent weights
- Health status: Existing conditions may influence what weight is optimal
Use our weight converter and healthy weight calculator to explore your personal range, then discuss individual targets with your GP.
- 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 the average weight for a 5'6" man in the UK?
According to ONS data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs), though this varies by region and age group. However, average does not mean healthy — the healthy weight range at 5'6" is 59–79 kg. Many UK adults are overweight, so average weight is higher than the ideal healthy weight range.
Is my weight healthy if I'm 5'6"?
Use our free BMI calculator to check instantly. If you weigh between 59–79 kg (9st 4lbs–12st 6lbs) at 5'6", you fall within the NHS healthy weight range. If you're above 79 kg, your GP can advise you on whether weight management would benefit your health, especially if you have weight-related health conditions.
Can ideal weight be different for different men at 5'6"?
Yes, absolutely. Muscle mass, frame size, and individual health circumstances mean ideal weight varies. Two men at the same height and weight can have very different body compositions and health profiles. Your GP or a healthcare professional can assess what weight is truly ideal for your specific circumstances.
What's the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight range?
Healthy weight range is the broad band recommended by NHS guidelines (59–79 kg at 5'6"). Ideal weight is more personal and may vary within that range depending on your muscle mass, frame, and health. The midpoint of the healthy range (around 69 kg) is a reasonable starting reference, but individual ideal weight should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
How do I work out my ideal weight if I have more muscle?
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so if you're very muscular, you may have a higher BMI whilst still being very healthy. Use our BMI calculator as a screening tool, but also consider waist circumference (healthy men should have a waist below 94 cm or 37 inches). Talk to your GP or a fitness professional about what weight is realistic and healthy for your body composition.
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.