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
Ideal Weight for a 5ft 6in Woman — BMI-Based Guide
For a woman who is 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, the healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is between approximately 50.9kg (8st 0lbs) and 68.5kg (10st 11lbs). This range is based on a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which is the standard used by UK health services. However, your ideal weight depends on factors like age, muscle mass, and overall health, so it's worth using our free BMI calculator to determine what a healthy weight means for you personally. Remember that the healthiest weight is one you can maintain alongside regular physical activity and good nutrition.
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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 at 5ft 6in — In kg and Stone
According to NHS guidelines, a healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9 for all adults. For a woman at 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, this translates to a healthy weight range of:
- 50.9kg to 68.5kg (metric)
- 8 stone 0lbs to 10 stone 11lbs (UK measurements)
- 112 lbs to 151 lbs (imperial)
This healthy weight range for height UK is derived using the BMI formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². The lower end (50.9kg) represents a BMI of 18.5, and the upper end (68.5kg) represents a BMI of 24.9. You can calculate your personal BMI instantly using our free BMI calculator on this page to see exactly where your current weight falls within the healthy range. Keep in mind that BMI is a screening tool — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is distributed on your body.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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 BMI to Find Your Ideal Weight
Rather than aiming for a single "ideal" number, it's more helpful to think in terms of a healthy weight range. Your ideal body weight depends on factors like your age, fitness level, genetics, and any underlying health conditions. An ideal weight calculator can help you understand what's realistic for your body type and frame size. Many women in the UK find it helpful to work with their GP or a health professional to identify a sustainable target weight within the healthy BMI range, rather than pursuing an arbitrary ideal. Use our free healthy weight calculator above to explore the healthy weight range specific to your height, and remember that sustainable weight loss of 0.5–1kg per week is recommended by the NHS for lasting results.
- 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's considered a healthy weight for a 5ft 6in woman?
According to NHS guidelines, a healthy weight for a 5ft 6in woman is between 50.9kg (8st 0lbs) and 68.5kg (10st 11lbs). This range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5–24.9. However, your ideal weight within this range depends on your age, fitness level, and overall health. Your GP can help you determine a realistic target.
How do I calculate my ideal weight using BMI?
Use the BMI formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². For a 5ft 6in woman, a healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9 equals 50.9–68.5kg. Our free BMI calculator above does this instantly — simply enter your height and weight to see your BMI and healthy weight range.
Does ideal weight differ for women of different ethnic backgrounds?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage due to higher cardiovascular risk at lower BMI levels. These groups may have a healthy BMI range starting at 18.5–22.9 instead of 18.5–24.9. Discuss ethnicity-specific guidance with your GP.
Is the average UK weight the same as ideal weight?
No. The average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6kg (11st 3lbs), which is above the healthy weight range for most heights. Average weight and ideal weight are different — ideal weight refers to the BMI-based healthy range, while average reflects actual population statistics. Your healthy weight is what matters for your health.
Can I use the weight converter to check my ideal weight in different units?
Yes. Our free weight converter lets you convert any weight between kg, stone, and pounds. If your ideal weight range is 50.9–68.5kg, you can instantly convert these figures to stone and pounds using the converter on this page to see your healthy range in whichever unit you prefer.
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.