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 Weight Height Chart — Find Your Healthy Range
The NHS weight height chart is a practical tool for understanding what constitutes a healthy weight across different heights in the UK. Rather than a single "ideal" weight, the NHS defines a healthy weight range based on BMI (body mass index) — the relationship between your height and weight. For any given height, there's a range of weights that fall within the healthy category, taking into account natural variation in body composition, muscle mass, and frame size. Our free BMI calculator makes it easy to find where you sit on this chart and understand what healthy weight guidance means for your personal health.
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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.
Understanding the NHS Healthy Weight Range
The NHS defines a healthy weight range using BMI categories that apply to all UK adults. For any height, the healthy weight range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. For example, an adult who is 5ft 8in (173cm) tall would have a healthy weight range of approximately 55kg to 74kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 8lbs). However, if you are of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds — a healthy BMI for these groups starts at 18.5 but moves to overweight at 23.0 rather than 25.0. This is because research shows these populations face higher health risks from excess weight at lower BMI levels. Weight alone doesn't tell the full story; waist circumference also matters. Men should aim for a waist under 94cm (37in), and women under 80cm (31.5in). Use our free weight converter to check your current weight in both metric and imperial units, and our BMI calculator to see exactly where you fall on the NHS scale.
Weight 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.
Why the NHS Uses Height and Weight Charts
The NHS weight height chart exists because weight without height context is meaningless — a 70kg person who is 6ft tall is in a completely different health position than a 70kg person who is 5ft tall. BMI provides a standardized way to compare health risk across populations. The chart helps GPs and nurses quickly identify whether someone may be at increased risk from excess weight, which can contribute to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and joint problems. However, it's important to understand BMI limitations. The chart doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat — athletes may have a high BMI but low body fat. It also doesn't account for age, genetics, or where fat is stored on your body. For this reason, your GP may use the chart alongside other health markers like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar when assessing your overall health.
- 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 healthy weight range for my height?
To find your healthy weight range, calculate your BMI using your height in centimetres (or feet and inches) and your current weight in kilograms. The NHS healthy weight range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5–24.9. Use our free BMI calculator on this page to instantly see your range and where you currently sit. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, your healthy upper limit is a BMI of 22.9 rather than 24.9.
How do I convert my weight to use the NHS chart?
UK adults often use stone and pounds, but NHS charts use kilograms. To convert: divide your weight in pounds by 2.20462 to get kilograms, or divide stone by 0.157473. Alternatively, use our free weight converter above — it handles all conversions instantly between kg, stone, and pounds, so you can check your weight in any unit you prefer.
Does the NHS weight height chart apply to children?
No — children and young people use different charts called centile charts based on age and sex, not adult BMI categories. If you're concerned about a child's weight, speak to your GP or health visitor who can access the appropriate growth charts. For adults only, the standard BMI chart applies.
What should I do if my weight is above the healthy range?
If your weight is above the healthy range, your GP can discuss weight management options tailored to your health. These may include lifestyle changes, support from a weight management programme, or in some cases, prescription medications. Your GP will assess what's right for you based on your individual health and any related conditions like high blood pressure or prediabetes.
Why are there different thresholds for different ethnic groups?
Research shows that people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage have higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels compared to white European populations. The NHS adjusted guidance for these groups reflects this evidence, helping identify health risk more accurately across diverse UK populations.
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.