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 Is Normal Weight and Height?
Normal weight varies considerably based on height, age, sex, and individual body composition. According to NHS guidelines and UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, a healthy weight for height is determined by BMI (Body Mass Index), which falls between 18.5 and 24.9 for most UK adults. However, "normal" weight extends beyond these healthy ranges — most UK adults are actually overweight or obese by clinical standards. This guide explains the difference between average, healthy, and ideal body weight, and shows you how to find your personalised healthy weight range using our free BMI calculator and weight converter tools.
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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.
Healthy Weight Ranges by Height (UK Data)
Your healthy weight range depends entirely on your height. The NHS defines healthy weight as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. Here are healthy weight ranges for common UK heights:
- 5ft 0in (152cm): 47–63 kg (7st 5lbs – 9st 13lbs)
- 5ft 4in (163cm): 52–69 kg (8st 2lbs – 10st 13lbs)
- 5ft 6in (168cm): 56–75 kg (8st 11lbs – 11st 11lbs)
- 5ft 8in (173cm): 55–74 kg (8st 10lbs – 11st 8lbs)
- 5ft 10in (178cm): 60–81 kg (9st 6lbs – 12st 10lbs)
- 6ft 0in (183cm): 64–87 kg (10st 1lb – 13st 9lbs)
These ranges are based on a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9. Your personal ideal weight within this range depends on muscle mass, frame size, and body composition. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your exact healthy weight range for your height instantly.
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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.
Average UK Weight vs Healthy Weight
It's important to understand the difference between average weight and healthy weight. According to ONS data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs) with a height of 175.3 cm (5ft 9in), giving an average BMI of 27.9 — classified as overweight. The average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs) with a height of 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in), also with an average BMI of 27.4 — overweight. This means most UK adults weigh more than the NHS healthy weight range for their height. This doesn't mean average is healthy — it reflects that around 63% of UK adults are overweight or obese. Use the weight converter on this page to check your weight in both metric and imperial units.
- 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's the difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
Ideal weight is the optimal weight for your individual frame size, muscle mass, and age — calculated using formulas like Devine or Robinson. Healthy weight is defined by BMI 18.5–24.9 according to NHS guidelines. Your ideal weight should fall within your healthy weight range, but the exact figure depends on your body composition and genetics.
Is there an ideal weight calculator I can use?
Yes — our free BMI calculator on this page calculates your personal healthy weight range instantly based on your height. It's more accurate than general formulas because it accounts for NHS guidelines and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds. Simply enter your height and it shows your healthy weight range in both kg and stone/lbs.
How does age affect ideal body weight?
Age affects ideal weight through changes in metabolism, muscle mass, and body composition. Muscle mass naturally decreases with age, so the same weight may represent more body fat in an older person. Additionally, healthy weight ranges may shift slightly for older adults — your GP can advise on age-appropriate targets.
Does ethnicity affect healthy weight for height?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage because these groups face higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels. Their healthy BMI range starts at 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9. This is clinically important and reflects individual health risk, not average.
How can I track progress toward my healthy weight?
Use our free progress tracker on MyWeightCheck to log your weight weekly and visualise your journey toward your personalised healthy weight range. Combine this with our free BMI calculator and weight converter to monitor both progress and BMI changes over time. Tracking helps maintain motivation and identify patterns.
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.