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 Male 5'6"?
For a male who is 5'6" (168 cm), the NHS-recommended healthy weight range is approximately 53 kg to 71 kg, or 8 stone 5 lbs to 11 stone 2 lbs. This range is based on achieving a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 — the healthy weight category recognised by the NHS and World Health Organisation. However, ideal body weight varies based on muscle mass, body composition, and individual health factors. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range and understand where your current weight sits within the NHS guidelines.
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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 5'6" Males: The BMI Framework
The NHS defines healthy weight using BMI (Body Mass Index), which divides weight by height squared. For a 5'6" male, a healthy BMI sits between 18.5 and 24.9, which translates to a weight range of 53–71 kg (8st 5lbs–11st 2lbs).
Here's the breakdown by BMI category:
- Underweight: Below 53 kg (under 8st 5lbs) — BMI below 18.5
- Healthy weight: 53–71 kg (8st 5lbs–11st 2lbs) — BMI 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: 71–85 kg (11st 2lbs–13st 5lbs) — BMI 25.0–29.9
- Obese: Over 85 kg (over 13st 5lbs) — BMI 30.0+
The average UK weight for adult men is approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs), which means many UK males fall into the overweight category. Your ideal weight within the healthy range depends on factors like muscle mass, frame size, 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.
Using BMI To Find Your Personalised Healthy Weight
BMI is a useful screening tool recognised by the NHS, but it has important limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat — a muscular athlete may have a "high" BMI but low body fat. BMI also doesn't account for where weight is stored; waist circumference is equally important for health. Men with a waist measurement over 94 cm (37 inches) face increased health risks, and over 102 cm (40 inches) face high cardiovascular risk.
Rather than targeting a single "ideal" number, focus on achieving a weight within the healthy BMI range that feels sustainable for you. Try our free BMI calculator above to determine your personal healthy weight range, and use our weight converter to switch easily between kg, stone, and pounds. Your GP can also provide personalised guidance 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.
What is the average weight for a 5'6" male in the UK?
The average UK adult male weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs), though this varies widely by age and lifestyle. For a 5'6" male, this average weight actually sits in the overweight BMI category (25–29.9). The NHS healthy weight range for this height is 53–71 kg (8st 5lbs–11st 2lbs).
Is 70 kg a healthy weight for a 5'6" male?
Yes, 70 kg (11 stone) is within the healthy weight range for a 5'6" male, giving a BMI of approximately 22.6, which falls comfortably in the healthy category (18.5–24.9). This is a weight associated with good health outcomes according to NHS guidelines.
How much should a 5'6" man weigh to have a healthy BMI?
To achieve a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9) at 5'6", you should aim for a weight between 53 kg and 71 kg (8st 5lbs to 11st 2lbs). The midpoint of this range is approximately 62 kg (9st 10lbs). Individual ideal weight depends on muscle mass and frame size.
What is considered overweight for a 5'6" male?
For a 5'6" male, overweight is defined as a BMI of 25.0–29.9, which corresponds to approximately 71–85 kg (11st 2lbs–13st 5lbs). At 72 kg, a 5'6" male would have a BMI of about 23.2, still in the healthy range; at 86 kg, the BMI reaches 27.8, firmly overweight.
Can I use a weight loss calculator to plan my ideal weight?
Yes. Our free weight loss calculator can help you understand healthy weight loss rates and project outcomes based on lifestyle changes. If considering prescription weight loss options, the calculator provides estimates based on clinical trial data. Always consult your GP about safe weight loss goals for your individual health situation.
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.