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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What Is the Ideal Weight for a 5'6" Man?
If you're a man who is 5'6" (168cm) tall, your ideal body weight according to NHS health guidelines falls within a specific healthy weight range based on BMI. The NHS-recommended healthy weight range for this height is approximately 56–75 kg (8st 13lbs to 11st 11lbs). However, your ideal weight depends on factors like muscle mass, frame size, and overall health. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range and see where your current weight sits on the NHS scale.
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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 Using BMI
For a man standing 5'6" (168cm), the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 translates into a weight range of approximately 56–75 kg (8st 13lbs to 11st 11lbs). This is based on the standard NHS BMI calculation. At the lower end (BMI 18.5), you'd weigh around 56 kg; at the upper healthy limit (BMI 24.9), approximately 75 kg.
The average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs), but average does not mean ideal — many UK men fall into the overweight category despite being close to the national average. Your ideal weight for height depends on your individual body composition, bone density, and muscle mass. If you're particularly muscular, you may have a higher healthy weight; if you carry excess body fat, your ideal target may be lower within the healthy range.
Important context: BMI is a useful screening tool but doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes or very muscular individuals may have a BMI above 25 but still be in excellent health.
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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 BMI Calculator to Find Your Ideal Weight
Rather than relying on a single "ideal" number, the NHS-recommended healthy weight range approach is more realistic and sustainable. Calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator on this page — enter your height (5'6"), your current weight, and it will show you exactly where you fall on the NHS scale and what your healthy weight range is for your height.
If your current weight falls outside the healthy range, losing or gaining even small amounts (5–10% of body weight) can deliver meaningful health benefits, including improved blood pressure, better blood sugar control, and reduced joint stress. Work with your GP if you're planning significant weight changes, especially if you have existing health conditions.
- 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 healthy weight for a 5'6" man?
According to NHS BMI guidelines, the healthy weight range for a 5'6" (168cm) man is approximately 56–75 kg (8st 13lbs to 11st 11lbs). This range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Your ideal weight within this range depends on factors like muscle mass and body composition.
Is 70 kg a healthy weight for a 5'6" man?
Yes, 70 kg (11st 0.1lbs) at 5'6" gives a BMI of approximately 22.6, which falls comfortably within the NHS healthy weight range of 18.5 to 24.9. This would be considered a healthy weight for this height.
How much should a 5'6" man weigh according to NHS guidelines?
The NHS doesn't prescribe a single "ideal" weight but rather a healthy range. For a 5'6" man, this is 56–75 kg. Your GP can advise on where within this range is best for your individual health based on age, fitness level, and any existing health conditions.
What's the difference between ideal weight and average weight?
Average UK male weight is around 85.7 kg, but average doesn't equal healthy. Ideal weight is based on BMI and health outcomes, not population averages. Many UK men are overweight despite being near the average, which is why BMI-based healthy ranges are more meaningful.
How can I tell if I'm at my ideal weight?
Use our free BMI calculator on this page to check your personal BMI against NHS guidelines. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is healthy. Also consider waist circumference — a healthy waist for men is under 94cm. Consult your GP if you're unsure about your ideal weight for your individual health profile.
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.