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 Recommended Weight — What's Healthy for You?
The NHS recommends that most UK adults aim for a healthy weight within a BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. Your ideal weight depends on your height, age, and individual health. Rather than aiming for a single target number, the NHS focuses on healthy weight ranges and emphasises that even modest weight loss of 5–10% can deliver meaningful health benefits. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your height.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
Understanding Your NHS Recommended Weight Range
The NHS healthy weight framework is based on BMI (body mass index), which divides adults into categories using height and weight. For most adults, a BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered healthy weight. However, if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends a lower range of 18.5–22.9, as these groups face higher health risks at the same BMI levels.
To find your specific healthy weight range, calculate your BMI using our weight converter tool, which instantly shows your weight in kg, stone, and pounds alongside your BMI category. Your GP can provide personalised NHS health advice based on your individual circumstances, medical history, and any weight-related conditions.
- BMI 18.5–24.9 = healthy weight for most adults
- BMI 18.5–22.9 = healthy weight for South Asian and other specified groups
- Weight loss of 0.5–1 kg per week is NHS guidance for sustainable results
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.
Achieving Your Healthy Weight — Practical Steps
The NHS recommends a gradual, sustainable approach rather than gradual weight management. Aim for a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day to lose approximately 0.5 kg weekly. Combine reduced-calorie eating with increased physical activity—the NHS advises at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Even reaching just 5–clinically studied weight loss can reduce blood pressure, improve blood sugar control, and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Track your progress using our free progress tracker, which helps you log weight changes over time and stay motivated. If you're struggling with weight management through diet and exercise alone, your GP can discuss whether prescription weight management options might be suitable alongside lifestyle changes.
- 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 weight should I aim for according to the NHS?
The NHS recommends a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9 for most UK adults, or 18.5–22.9 if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage. Rather than a single target weight, focus on a healthy range based on your height. Use our free BMI calculator to find your personal range instantly.
Is there a healthy weight table for different heights?
Yes. For example, a person 5ft 8in (173cm) tall would have a healthy weight range of approximately 55–74 kg (8st 10lbs to 11st 10lbs). The exact range depends on your height and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds. Our weight converter tool calculates this for you across metric and imperial measurements.
How quickly should I lose weight according to NHS guidance?
The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5–1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week for sustainable, healthy results. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day. Faster weight loss can lead to muscle loss and is not recommended without medical supervision.
Does my recommended weight change if I have health conditions?
Yes. If you have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnoea, you may benefit from weight loss even at a lower BMI. Your GP can provide personalised NHS health advice on the most appropriate target weight for your specific situation and medical history.
Can I use weight loss injections to reach my NHS recommended weight?
Prescription weight loss medications may support your journey if recommended by a healthcare professional. These are typically used alongside diet and exercise changes. Your GP or a licensed prescriber can assess whether you're eligible based on your BMI and health conditions.
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.