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 8in man?
At 5ft 8in (173 cm), the ideal weight for an adult man falls within the NHS healthy weight range of 18.5–24.9 BMI. This translates to approximately 55–74 kg, or 8 stone 8 lbs to 11 stone 9 lbs. However, ideal body weight varies based on individual factors including muscle mass, frame size, and overall fitness. The healthiest approach is to use BMI as a screening tool alongside other health markers and personal wellness goals. Use our free BMI calculator to check where your current weight sits and discuss your personal ideal weight range with your GP.
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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 8in based on BMI
According to NHS guidelines, a healthy weight range for a 5ft 8in man is 55–74 kg, which equals approximately 8 stone 8 lbs to 11 stone 9 lbs in UK measurements. This range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5–24.9, the standard healthy weight bracket recognised across UK health services.
- Lower healthy bound: 55 kg (8st 8lbs) = BMI 18.5
- Upper healthy bound: 74 kg (11st 9lbs) = BMI 24.9
- Midpoint (typical healthy target): 65 kg (10st 3lbs) = BMI 21.5
It's important to note that BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations — it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. An athletic man with higher muscle mass may have a BMI in the overweight range but still be in excellent health. The weight for height UK framework is most useful when combined with other health indicators like waist circumference and overall fitness level.
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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 find your personal healthy weight using BMI
Your personal ideal weight depends on several factors beyond height. Using a healthy weight calculator that accounts for your individual metrics is more accurate than a simple height-based figure. Our free BMI calculator on this page instantly shows where your current weight sits and what range is considered healthy for your height.
Start by calculating your BMI, then discuss the results with your GP if you have concerns about your weight for health reasons. They can help determine whether your weight is appropriate for your individual circumstances, considering your medical history, ethnicity, and fitness level. Remember that the NHS healthy weight range is a guide — your ideal weight may differ based on your unique health profile and lifestyle.
- 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 UK weight for a man aged 5ft 8in?
The average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs), which is higher than the NHS healthy weight range. However, "average" does not mean "healthy" — the healthy weight range for 5ft 8in remains 55–74 kg according to NHS BMI guidelines.
Is 70 kg a good weight for a 5ft 8in man?
At 70 kg (11st 0lbs), a 5ft 8in man would have a BMI of approximately 23.5, which falls comfortably within the NHS healthy weight range of 18.5–24.9. This is considered a healthy weight for this height.
What does the NHS say about ideal weight for men?
The NHS uses BMI to define healthy weight ranges rather than specifying an exact "ideal" weight. For a 5ft 8in man, the healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9 translates to 55–74 kg. The NHS also recommends considering waist circumference and overall fitness alongside BMI.
How can I work out my ideal weight for my height?
Calculate your BMI using your height and current weight — our free BMI calculator does this instantly. A healthy BMI is 18.5–24.9 for most adults. You can also use our weight converter to check your weight in kg, stone, and lbs, then discuss your personal ideal weight with your GP.
Does ideal weight change with age or fitness level?
Yes. Healthy BMI ranges remain the same across ages, but older adults may have different muscle mass and body composition. Athletes may have higher BMI due to muscle rather than fat. Your GP can advise on what's ideal for your individual age, fitness level, and health status.
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.