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
How Much Should I Weigh If I'm 5ft 6in?
There's no single "perfect" weight for a 5ft 6in woman—it depends on your build, muscle mass, and individual health. However, the NHS defines a healthy weight range for your height using BMI (Body Mass Index). For women who are 5ft 6in tall (168cm), a healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9, which corresponds to a weight range of approximately 55–74kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 9lbs). This is a guide only—your GP can discuss what's healthy for you individually.
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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 for 5ft 6in Females
According to NHS healthy weight guidelines, the healthy weight range for a 5ft 6in (168cm) woman is 55–74kg. Here's how this breaks down:
- Lower healthy limit: 55kg (8st 8lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper healthy limit: 74kg (11st 9lbs) — BMI 24.9
- Mid-range healthy weight: approximately 65kg (10st 3lbs) — BMI 23
You can calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see exactly where your current weight falls within the healthy range. Remember, healthy weight is a range, not a single number. Two women of the same height and weight can have different body compositions—one may have more muscle mass, the other more body fat.
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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.
Individual Factors That Affect Your Healthy Weight
Your ideal weight for your height isn't just about numbers—it depends on several personal factors. Muscle mass weighs more than fat, so athletic women may weigh more whilst being very healthy. Frame size matters too: some people naturally have smaller or larger bone structures, which affects their ideal weight. Age influences body composition; metabolism changes over time. For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends a slightly lower healthy BMI threshold (18.5–22.9), as these groups face higher health risks at the same BMI. Your GP can discuss what's realistic and healthy for your individual circumstances, rather than aiming for a specific number on the scales.
- 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 range for a 5ft 6in woman according to the NHS?
The NHS healthy weight range for a 5ft 6in female is approximately 55–74kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 9lbs), which corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. This is a guide based on general health data—your GP can discuss what's healthy for you specifically.
Why does healthy weight vary between individuals of the same height?
Muscle mass weighs more than fat, so two women of the same height and weight can have different body compositions. Frame size, age, genetics, and how weight is distributed also affect what's healthy. This is why BMI is useful as a screening tool but has limitations.
Should I use the BMI calculator to find my healthy weight?
Yes. Our free BMI calculator on this page instantly shows you where your weight falls within the healthy range for your height. It also helps you understand the healthy weight range itself, rather than aiming for one specific number.
Does healthy weight change if I'm from a particular ethnic background?
Yes. The NHS recognises that women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage may have higher health risks at the same BMI as other populations. Discuss your ideal weight with your GP, who can advise based on your individual risk factors.
What's the best way to reach a healthy weight for my height?
Gradual, sustainable changes work best—the NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1kg per week through a balanced diet and increased physical activity. You can track your progress using our free progress tracker to stay motivated over time.
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.