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
NHS Height and Weight Chart for UK Adults
The NHS provides clear height and weight guidance to help UK adults understand whether they're at a healthy weight for their height. Rather than a single "ideal" weight, the NHS uses BMI categories and healthy weight ranges to give you a personalised target based on your individual height. This guide explains how NHS health charts work, what your height and weight mean for your health, and how to find the right range for you. You can use our free BMI calculator and weight converter to check your personal measurements 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.
How NHS Height and Weight Charts Work
The NHS doesn't use a simple chart showing one "ideal weight" — instead, it focuses on healthy weight ranges based on your height and BMI (Body Mass Index). This approach is more accurate because it accounts for individual variation in muscle mass and frame size.
The NHS healthy weight range for any height is calculated using a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. For example, at 5ft 8in (173cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 55–74 kg (8st 10lbs to 11st 10lbs). Your GP or a healthcare professional can help you identify the right range for your specific height and health circumstances.
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds: BMI 18.5 to 22.9 — because these groups face higher health risks at the same BMI levels.
- Use our free BMI calculator to find your personal healthy weight range instantly
- Your GP can provide tailored advice about your target weight
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
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.
Weight Management and NHS Guidance
The NHS emphasises that sustainable weight loss happens gradually — typically 0.5 to 1 kg per week — alongside healthy eating and increased physical activity. If you're concerned about your weight, NHS guidance suggests starting with Tier 1 support: the free NHS Weight Loss Plan, digital tools, or community weight management programmes.
If you need more intensive support, your GP can refer you to specialist Tier 2 or Tier 3 weight management services. These services may include dietitian-led interventions, behaviour change programmes, or prescription weight loss medications if you meet eligibility criteria. Our free weight converter helps you understand your measurements in stone, pounds, and kilograms alongside NHS health advice.
- 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 a healthy weight according to the NHS?
The NHS defines healthy weight as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. For most adults, this range supports good long-term health. However, the healthy weight range varies by height — at 5ft 6in (168cm), healthy weight is approximately 50–67 kg (7st 12lbs to 10st 7lbs). Your GP can advise on your personal target.
How do I find my healthy weight range using height and weight charts?
Calculate your BMI using your height and weight, then check which NHS category you fall into. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is healthy weight. Use our free BMI calculator to find your range instantly. Alternatively, your GP can provide a personalised assessment and discuss any health factors affecting your target weight.
Why does the NHS use BMI instead of a simple weight chart?
BMI accounts for height — a weight that's healthy for a tall person may not be for a shorter person. BMI provides a screening tool that's consistent across populations. However, BMI has limitations: it doesn't account for muscle mass or where fat is stored, so your GP may also discuss waist circumference and overall health.
Are there different weight guidelines for different ethnic backgrounds?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds (18.5–22.9) for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage because these groups have higher health risks at the same BMI. This reflects different genetic and metabolic factors. Your GP can discuss what this means for your health.
What should I do if I'm above the healthy weight range?
Start with NHS Tier 1 support: the free NHS Weight Loss Plan, digital tools, or community programmes. If you need more help, ask your GP about referral to specialist weight management services. For some people, prescription weight loss medications may be offered as part of a comprehensive approach alongside diet and exercise changes.
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.