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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Ideal Weight for a Woman 5'6"
For a woman who is 5'6" (168 cm) tall, the healthy weight range is approximately 55–74 kg (8 stone 8 lbs to 11 stone 8 lbs) according to NHS guidelines. This range is based on a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. The average UK woman stands at around 5'3", so a 5'6" woman is slightly taller than average. However, ideal body weight depends on several factors including muscle mass, frame size, and overall health rather than a single number. This guide provides data-backed reference points and explains what "ideal" really means for your height.
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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 for 5'6" Women
According to NHS guidelines, a woman who is 5'6" (168 cm) should aim for a weight between 55 kg and 74 kg to fall within a healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. In imperial measurements, this translates to approximately 8 stone 8 lbs to 11 stone 8 lbs.
- Lower healthy range: 55 kg (8st 8lbs / 121 lbs) — BMI 19.5
- Mid-range: 64 kg (10st 1lb / 141 lbs) — BMI 23
- Upper healthy range: 74 kg (11st 8lbs / 163 lbs) — BMI 24.8
Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly and see exactly where you fall within the healthy weight range. The healthy weight calculator can also show you what your target weight means for your individual health profile.
These figures assume an average frame size and typical body composition. Individual variation is normal and healthy.
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.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Weight
Ideal weight is not one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence what a healthy weight should be for you personally:
- Muscle mass: Muscle weighs more than fat. Athletic women may weigh more than average while maintaining low body fat and excellent health.
- Frame size: A woman with a larger frame may have a higher ideal weight than someone with a smaller frame at the same height.
- Age: Metabolism naturally slows with age, and muscle mass typically decreases after 30. Weight management may require different approaches at different life stages.
- Ethnicity: The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean women due to higher health risks at lower weights.
- Overall health: Your GP can provide personalised guidance on what weight range is right for you based on your medical history and health goals.
Rather than targeting a single number, focus on how you feel, your energy levels, and health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol.
- 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 the average weight for a UK woman?
The average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs) and stands at 161.6 cm (5'3"). A woman who is 5'6" is slightly taller than average, so would typically weigh slightly more while maintaining a healthy BMI. However, average does not mean ideal — many UK women are overweight or obese.
What's the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight range?
Ideal weight is a single target number, while healthy weight range is a spectrum. For 5'6", the healthy weight range is 55–74 kg. Within that range, your ideal weight depends on your muscle mass, frame size, and personal health goals. Your GP can help determine what's ideal for you.
Is the healthy weight range different for women of different ethnicities?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. For these groups, a healthy BMI may start at 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9, due to higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at higher weights.
How can I find my personal ideal weight?
Use our free BMI calculator to determine your current BMI. Then use the healthy weight calculator to find your target range. However, the most accurate approach is to discuss your ideal weight with your GP, who can consider your medical history, muscle mass, and health conditions.
Does ideal weight change with age?
Yes. Metabolism naturally slows with age, and muscle mass typically decreases. You may need to adjust your calorie intake as you age to maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect weight distribution. Your GP can provide age-appropriate guidance. ```
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.