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 of a Woman?
There's no single "ideal" weight for all women — it depends on your height, age, and body composition. However, the NHS defines a healthy weight range using BMI (Body Mass Index), which applies to all adults. A healthy BMI sits between 18.5 and 24.9, and this translates to specific weight ranges depending on your height. For example, a woman who is 5 feet 6 inches (168cm) tall should weigh between approximately 52kg and 70kg (8st 3lbs to 11st 0lbs) to fall within the healthy weight range. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal healthy weight range instantly.
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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 by Height — BMI Explained
The healthy weight range for women is determined by BMI, not by age, appearance, or comparison to others. According to NHS guidelines, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for adults of all backgrounds, though lower thresholds apply for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage (18.5–22.9).
Here are healthy weight ranges for common heights:
- 5ft 0in (152cm): 47–64kg (7st 5lbs–10st 1lbs)
- 5ft 4in (163cm): 52–70kg (8st 2lbs–11st 0lbs)
- 5ft 6in (168cm): 55–74kg (8st 9lbs–11st 9lbs)
- 5ft 8in (173cm): 58–78kg (9st 1lbs–12st 4lbs)
- 5ft 10in (178cm): 62–84kg (9st 10lbs–13st 2lbs)
Remember: BMI is a screening tool only. It doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored. A woman who strength trains may have a higher BMI but lower body fat percentage. Your GP can help you interpret what your weight means for your individual health.
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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 Ideal Weight Using the BMI Calculator
The best way to find your ideal body weight is to calculate your personal BMI and then work backwards to your healthy weight range. Our free BMI calculator on this page does this instantly — simply enter your height and current weight, and you'll see exactly where you fall on the NHS healthy weight scale.
Once you know your healthy weight range, you can set realistic targets. The NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1kg per week for sustainable progress. If you're planning to lose weight, track your progress using our free progress tracker alongside lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Remember, weight alone doesn't determine health — your GP can discuss your personal risk factors and what a healthy weight means for you.
- 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 of a UK woman?
According to the Office for National Statistics, the average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6kg (11st 3lbs) and is 161.6cm (5ft 3.5in) tall, giving an average BMI of around 27.4. However, average weight is not the same as ideal or healthy weight — the NHS healthy weight range is BMI 18.5–24.9.
Is there an ideal weight calculator I can use?
Yes. Our free BMI calculator above instantly calculates your healthy weight range based on your height. Simply enter your height and weight, and you'll see your BMI and your personal healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines. You can also use our free weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and pounds.
Does ideal weight change with age?
The NHS BMI categories don't change with age for adults. However, women may experience natural weight gain with age due to hormonal changes and reduced muscle mass. Your GP can discuss whether your current weight is appropriate for your individual health, regardless of age.
What if I'm of South Asian or other ethnic backgrounds — does ideal weight differ?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage because they face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. For these groups, a healthy BMI is 18.5–22.9, not 18.5–24.9. Your GP can advise on the most appropriate range for you.
Can I use ideal weight as my only health measure?
No. Ideal weight based on BMI is useful but doesn't tell the complete story. Waist circumference, fitness level, blood pressure, and blood sugar are also important. A GP can assess your overall health risk more comprehensively than weight alone.
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.