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
What Is The Ideal Weight For A Female?
There is no single "ideal" weight for women—it varies significantly based on height, age, muscle mass, and ethnicity. However, the NHS defines a healthy weight range using BMI (body mass index) of 18.5 to 24.9. For a woman of average UK height (approximately 161.6 cm or 5ft 3in), a healthy weight typically falls between roughly 48 kg (7st 8lbs) and 65 kg (10st 3lbs). The most practical approach is to calculate your personal healthy weight range using your own height, then use our free BMI calculator above to check whether your current weight falls within that healthy range for you.
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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 Ranges By Height For UK Women
The NHS healthy weight range is determined by your height using the BMI formula. For women of different heights, here are typical healthy weight ranges:
- 5ft 0in (152 cm): 46–62 kg (7st 3lbs–9st 11lbs)
- 5ft 2in (157 cm): 49–66 kg (7st 10lbs–10st 6lbs)
- 5ft 4in (163 cm): 52–70 kg (8st 3lbs–11st 0lbs)
- 5ft 6in (168 cm): 55–74 kg (8st 9lbs–11st 9lbs)
- 5ft 8in (173 cm): 59–79 kg (9st 3lbs–12st 6lbs)
- 5ft 10in (178 cm): 62–84 kg (9st 10lbs–13st 3lbs)
These ranges assume a standard BMI calculation. Women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage may have lower healthy weight thresholds—consult your GP for personalised guidance. Use the weight converter on this page to switch between kg and stone instantly.
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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 body weight is not one-size-fits-all. Key factors include: muscle mass (muscle weighs more than fat, so athletic women may have higher BMI but excellent health), frame size (small, medium, or large-framed bodies have different ideal weights), age (metabolism slows with age, affecting healthy weight), ethnicity (some populations face higher health risks at lower BMI), and personal health history (previous weight, medical conditions, and medications all play a role). The average UK female weight is approximately 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs), but this is higher than the healthy weight range, reflecting the prevalence of excess weight in the UK. Work with your GP to determine what healthy weight means for your individual circumstances.
- 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 UK woman?
According to ONS (Office for National Statistics) data, the average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs). However, this is above the NHS healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9). Being at or below average weight doesn't necessarily mean being in a healthy weight range for your height—your individual healthy weight depends on your height specifically.
Is BMI the best way to check if I'm an ideal weight?
BMI is a useful screening tool and is what the NHS uses for healthy weight guidance. However, it has limitations—it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have a higher BMI despite being healthy. It also doesn't account for where fat is stored (waist circumference matters too). For personalised assessment, discuss your weight with your GP.
How do I calculate my ideal weight range?
Multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by 18.5 (lower bound) and 24.9 (upper bound). For example, at 1.63m (5ft 4in), your healthy range is roughly 49–66 kg. Use our free BMI calculator above for gradual improvement, or try our healthy weight calculator to see your personal range based on your exact height.
Does muscle mass affect what my ideal weight should be?
Yes, significantly. Muscle is denser than fat, so women with higher muscle mass (athletes, gym-goers) may weigh more but still be in excellent health. Two women at the same weight and height can have very different body compositions. If you're muscular and have a BMI above 25, your GP can assess whether this is a health concern for you personally.
Should I aim for the same ideal weight as my friend or celebrity?
No. Ideal weight is highly individual and depends on height, frame size, muscle mass, age, and ethnicity. Your friend's healthy weight range will be different from yours if you have different heights or body compositions. Comparing yourself to others is unhelpful—focus on achieving a healthy weight range for your specific height with your GP's support.
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.