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's a Normal Body Weight for a 5'8" Female?
At 5'8" (173cm), the healthy weight range for adult women according to NHS guidance is approximately 54–73kg (8 stone 6 lbs to 11 stone 6 lbs). This range is based on a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. However, your ideal weight depends on your frame size, muscle mass, and overall health. Using our free BMI calculator above, you can check your personal healthy weight range. Individual factors like fitness level and medical history also matter, so it's worth discussing your personal target weight with your GP for personalised guidance.
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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.
NHS Healthy Weight Guidance for Women at This Height
For a woman of 5'8" (173cm), the healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines is 54–73kg (8 stone 6 lbs to 11 stone 6 lbs). This corresponds to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which the NHS defines as a healthy weight. However, BMI has limitations—it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored on the body. A woman who exercises regularly may have a higher weight but lower body fat percentage and excellent health markers.
The NHS also recommends measuring waist circumference alongside BMI. A waist circumference under 80cm (31.5 inches) is considered low risk for most women; 80–88cm is increased risk; above 88cm is high risk. Weight management in the UK is increasingly personalised, with GPs considering factors beyond BMI alone. Our weight converter can help you switch between kg, stone, and pounds for easy reference.
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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.
Finding Your Personal Healthy Weight — UK Resources
Your ideal weight depends on your individual circumstances, including age, fitness level, medical history, and genetic factors. Rather than aiming for a single number, think of your healthy weight range as a target zone. If you're concerned about your weight or health, your GP is the best starting point—they can assess your personal risk factors and offer tailored NHS guidance. For ongoing tracking, use our free progress tracker to monitor changes over time. The NHS also offers free weight management services in many areas through specialist tier 2 and tier 3 weight management programmes, available through your GP.
- 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 BMI should a 5'8" woman aim for?
The NHS recommends a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for adults. At 5'8", this corresponds to a weight of approximately 54–73kg (8 stone 6 lbs to 11 stone 6 lbs). Use our free BMI calculator to check your personal BMI and healthy weight range instantly.
Is BMI the only measure of healthy weight?
No. BMI is useful but has limitations—it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. The NHS recommends also measuring waist circumference. For a woman, a waist under 80cm is considered lower risk. Your GP can assess your overall health picture beyond BMI alone.
What if I'm 5'8" and above the healthy weight range?
The NHS recommends losing weight at a sustainable rate of 0.5–1kg per week. This typically requires a calorie deficit of around 500 kcal per day. Talk to your GP about weight management support—the NHS offers free programmes and may refer you to specialist services depending on your health.
Does muscle weight count differently than fat weight?
Muscle is denser than fat, so two women of the same height and weight may look very different if one has more muscle. If you exercise regularly, you might weigh more but have excellent health markers. Your GP or a healthcare professional can assess your body composition.
Where can I get personalised weight guidance in the UK?
Start with your GP, who can assess your individual health and refer you to NHS weight management services if appropriate. These are available through tier 2 and tier 3 specialist services in most areas. Our BMI calculator and weight management tools can help you track progress.
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.