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's the Ideal Weight for a 5ft 6in Man?
For a man who is 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, the healthy weight range is approximately 55 to 74kg, or 8 stone 9 pounds to 11 stone 10 pounds. This range is based on an NHS healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which applies to most UK adults. However, your ideal body weight within this range depends on factors like muscle mass, frame size, and age. Use our free BMI calculator above to determine where your current weight sits, and our weight converter to switch between kg and stone instantly.
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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.
Ideal Weight Range for 5ft 6in — Data Reference
Using NHS BMI guidelines, the healthy weight range for a 5ft 6in (168cm) man is 55–74kg, equivalent to 8 stone 9 pounds to 11 stone 10 pounds. This calculation uses the standard BMI formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². The lower bound (55kg) represents a BMI of 18.5, and the upper bound (74kg) represents a BMI of 24.9.
- Lower healthy range: 55kg (8st 9lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Mid-range: 64–65kg (10st 1–2lbs) — BMI 22–23
- Upper healthy range: 74kg (11st 10lbs) — BMI 24.9
For comparison, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7kg (13st 7lbs) according to ONS data, though this sits in the overweight category (BMI 27.9). At 5ft 6in, reaching average UK weight would result in a BMI of approximately 27.9, which falls into the overweight rather than healthy weight category.
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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 Affecting Your Ideal Weight
Your ideal weight within the 55–74kg range depends on several factors beyond height. Muscle mass significantly affects ideal weight — a man with more muscle will weigh more at the same height but may have lower body fat. Frame size (small, medium, or large) also matters; men with larger frames may naturally sit higher in the healthy range.
Age is another consideration: metabolic rate slows with age, and muscle naturally decreases, potentially lowering your ideal weight over time. Additionally, ethnicity affects health thresholds — men of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may have different health risk profiles at the same BMI, and NHS guidelines suggest lower thresholds (BMI 23–27.5 for overweight) for these populations. Your GP can give you personalised guidance about your ideal weight based on your individual health profile.
- 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 70kg a healthy weight for a 5ft 6in man?
At 70kg, a 5ft 6in man has a BMI of approximately 22.6, which falls comfortably within the NHS healthy weight range (18.5–24.9). This is a healthy weight for your height, though individual factors like muscle mass and frame size matter. Use our BMI calculator to check your personal BMI.
What's the average weight for a UK man 5ft 6in tall?
The average UK adult man weighs around 85.7kg overall, but this varies significantly by height. At 5ft 6in, an average weight might be higher than the NHS healthy range, as most UK adults are overweight or obese. NHS healthy weight for your height is 55–74kg.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range at my height?
The healthy weight range uses BMI 18.5–24.9. Multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by 18.5 and 24.9. For 5ft 6in (1.68m): 18.5 × (1.68)² = 52.2kg, and 24.9 × (1.68)² = 70.2kg. Our free healthy weight calculator above does this instantly.
Does muscle weight count differently than fat weight?
On a scales, muscle and fat weigh the same. However, muscle is denser — a muscular man may have a higher weight but lower body fat percentage than someone of the same weight with more fat. BMI doesn't distinguish between them, so discuss frame and fitness with your GP for personalised context.
Should I aim for the lower or upper end of my healthy weight range?
There's no single "ideal" — both 55kg and 74kg are healthy at 5ft 6in. Aim for the range that feels sustainable for your lifestyle, fitness level, and body composition. Factors like muscle mass, age, and overall health matter more than a specific number. Your GP can advise based on 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.