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 Weight for a 5'8" Female?
For an adult woman who is 5ft 8in (173cm) tall, the NHS-aligned healthy weight range is approximately 55–75kg, or 8 stone 8 pounds to 11 stone 11 pounds in UK measurements. This range corresponds to a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, which the NHS classifies as a healthy weight. However, healthy weight varies based on individual factors including age, muscle mass, and personal health conditions. Your GP can provide personalised guidance on what's ideal for your specific circumstances and health goals.
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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 Range for 5ft 8in — BMI Explained
The healthy weight range for a 5ft 8in woman is 55–75kg (8st 8lbs–11st 11lbs), based on an NHS-recommended BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. Here's how this breaks down:
- Lower healthy boundary: 55kg (8st 8lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper healthy boundary: 75kg (11st 11lbs) — BMI 24.9
- Mid-range healthy weight: approximately 65kg (10st 3lbs) — BMI 21.7
BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (metres) squared. For your height, each kilogram difference changes your BMI by approximately 0.33 points. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your exact BMI based on your current weight — this gives you immediate, personalised context. Remember, BMI is a screening tool; it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored, so it's one of many health indicators your GP considers.
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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.
How to Find Your Individual Ideal Weight
Your ideal weight depends on more than just height. Factors like age, ethnicity, fitness level, and medical history all matter. The NHS defines healthy weight as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, but some people feel healthiest at different points within this range. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean background, lower BMI thresholds may apply for better health outcomes. Rather than targeting a single "ideal" number, focus on how you feel, your energy levels, and health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol. Try the healthy weight calculator on this page to explore your personalised range, then discuss with your GP what weight range is right for your individual health profile.
- 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 a general target based on height; healthy weight is defined by BMI (18.5–24.9) and individual health markers. You can have a BMI in the healthy range without being at a specific "ideal" number. Your GP helps determine what's healthy for you specifically, considering age, muscle mass, genetics, and medical history.
Is 75kg overweight for a 5ft 8in woman?
No. At 5ft 8in, 75kg gives a BMI of 24.9, which is the upper boundary of the healthy range. You'd be classed as overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) at 76kg or above. However, individual circumstances vary — discuss your weight with your GP for personalised guidance.
How much should a 5ft 8in woman weigh in stone?
A healthy weight is 8st 8lbs to 11st 11lbs (55–75kg). This is based on NHS BMI guidelines. The exact right weight for you depends on your age, fitness, ethnicity, and health status — not just height.
Can I use BMI to check if my weight is normal?
Yes, BMI is a useful starting point. Our free BMI calculator above instantly shows your BMI category. However, BMI doesn't distinguish muscle from fat and has limitations for athletes, older adults, and certain ethnic groups. Always combine BMI with GP advice for a complete picture.
What if I'm below the healthy weight range for my height?
If your BMI is below 18.5 (underweight), discuss this with your GP. Being underweight can affect bone health, immunity, and fertility. Your GP can explore whether this is natural for your body type or whether nutritional support is needed.
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.