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
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What Is a Normal Waist Circumference Range?
Waist circumference is a key health measurement that reflects how much fat is stored around your middle — an important indicator of health risk that works alongside BMI. The NHS recommends specific waist measurement thresholds for UK adults based on sex, as excess abdominal fat is linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health conditions. Unlike BMI alone, waist circumference captures where fat is stored, which matters significantly for your overall health. Understanding your healthy waist range is an essential part of assessing your weight and health status.
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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 Waist Circumference Thresholds
The NHS recommends these waist circumference thresholds for UK adults:
- Men: Increased health risk above 94cm (37 inches); high risk above 102cm (40 inches)
- Women: Increased health risk above 80cm (31.5 inches); high risk above 88cm (34.5 inches)
These thresholds apply to adults of European descent. For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds due to higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at the same measurements:
- South Asian men: Increased risk above 90cm (35.4 inches)
- South Asian women: Increased risk above 80cm (31.5 inches)
Waist circumference is measured at the midpoint between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone, standing upright with a relaxed abdomen. A measurement below these thresholds indicates lower health risk, though combining waist circumference with your BMI using our free BMI calculator gives a more complete picture of your health status.
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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.
Why Waist Circumference Matters More Than Weight Alone
Waist circumference is a more specific indicator of health risk than weight or BMI alone because it directly measures abdominal fat — the type most strongly linked to metabolic disease. Two people with identical BMI can have very different health risks depending on where their fat is stored. Abdominal (visceral) fat releases inflammatory compounds and affects how your body handles glucose and cholesterol, increasing risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Using our free weight converter and BMI calculator alongside your waist measurement gives you a complete health assessment. The NHS recommends monitoring all three measurements — weight, BMI, and waist circumference — for a thorough understanding of your health. If your waist circumference is in the increased or high-risk range, your GP can advise on lifestyle changes or weight management strategies tailored to your individual needs.
- 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.
How do I measure my waist circumference correctly?
Stand upright and relaxed. Place a soft measuring tape horizontally around your middle at the point midway between your lowest rib and the top of your hip bone. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and take the measurement at the end of a normal breath. Measure in centimetres for NHS comparison. Measure consistently at the same time of day for tracking changes.
Is waist circumference more important than BMI?
Both are useful. BMI is a general screening tool for weight status, but waist circumference specifically measures abdominal fat distribution — which is more directly linked to metabolic health risks. The NHS recommends using both measurements together for a complete picture. Our free BMI calculator and weight converter help you assess both metrics alongside waist measurement.
Can I have a healthy BMI but an unhealthy waist circumference?
Yes. Someone can have a BMI in the "healthy" range but carry excess abdominal fat, or have a higher BMI but good fat distribution. This is why the NHS recommends assessing both measurements. Athletes may have high BMI due to muscle but healthy waist circumference. Conversely, someone can appear slim overall but carry metabolic risk from abdominal fat.
What should I do if my waist circumference is above the healthy range?
Consult your GP for personalised advice. Lifestyle changes including reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, and improved sleep quality can help reduce waist circumference. Your GP can assess your individual health risks and discuss whether weight management support or treatment options are appropriate for you based on your full health picture.
Does waist circumference change with age?
Yes. Waist circumference tends to increase naturally with age, particularly after middle age, due to changes in muscle mass and metabolism. However, the NHS thresholds remain the same across age groups for adults. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage age-related increases in waist circumference and associated health risks.
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.