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 the Perfect Weight for a 5'6" Female?
There's no single "perfect" weight for a 5'6" female — it depends on your individual health, muscle mass, and body composition. However, according to NHS guidance and the UK health framework, a healthy weight range for someone of this height is approximately 9 stone 2 lbs to 11 stone 11 lbs (58–75 kg). Your ideal weight within this range depends on your frame size, fitness level, and personal health goals. Rather than targeting a specific number, focus on achieving a BMI in the healthy range (18.5–24.9) and maintaining good overall health through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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 5'6" Using NHS Guidance
At 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm), the NHS-recommended healthy weight range sits between a BMI of 18.5 and 24.9. This translates to approximately 58–75 kg (9 stone 2 lbs to 11 stone 11 lbs) for most adult women. However, this range accounts for normal variation in body composition — some women are naturally at the lower end, others at the upper end, and both can be perfectly healthy.
- Lower healthy boundary: 58 kg (9 stone 2 lbs) — BMI 18.5
- Upper healthy boundary: 75 kg (11 stone 11 lbs) — BMI 24.9
- Ideal midpoint: Around 66–67 kg (10 stone 6–7 lbs) — BMI 21–22
Use our free BMI calculator above to find your exact BMI and see where you fall within the healthy weight range for your height. Remember that BMI is a screening tool — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored on your body.
Clinically BackedWeight 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.
Factors Beyond the Number on the Scales
Your "perfect" weight isn't just about a number — it's about how you feel and your overall health. Factors that matter more than the scales include: waist circumference (over 80 cm suggests increased health risk), cardiovascular fitness, blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and muscle strength. Two women at the same weight and height can have completely different body compositions and health outcomes. Someone with regular exercise and good muscle tone may weigh more than someone sedentary, yet be healthier. Try our free weight converter to track progress in the units you prefer, and remember that sustainable weight management is about building healthy habits, not chasing a specific number.
- 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 healthy BMI range for a 5'6" female?
According to NHS guidance, a healthy BMI for most adults is 18.5–24.9. At 5'6", this equates to roughly 58–75 kg (9 stone 2 lbs to 11 stone 11 lbs). For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds (BMI 18.5–22.9), starting at approximately 53–65 kg.
Can two women of the same weight and height have different body compositions?
Yes, absolutely. Two women weighing 70 kg at 5'6" could have very different body fat percentages, muscle mass, and health profiles. BMI is a screening tool only — it doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle. Your GP can help assess your overall health beyond BMI alone.
Is there such a thing as a "perfect" weight?
No. Perfect weight varies by individual genetics, frame size, muscle mass, and personal health goals. Rather than targeting a specific number, aim for a weight within the healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) where you feel energised, fit, and healthy. This is far more sustainable than chasing a single "ideal" figure.
How do I know if my weight is healthy at 5'6"?
Use our free BMI calculator on this page to find your BMI. If it falls between 18.5–24.9, you're in the healthy range. Also consider waist circumference (ideally under 80 cm for women), energy levels, and how clothes fit. If concerned, your GP can provide personalised health advice.
What if my healthy weight is different from what I expected?
That's common. Many people are surprised by their healthy weight range. Remember that your ideal weight depends on bone density, muscle mass, and individual variation. Rather than aiming for a number you've seen online, use NHS guidelines and your GP's advice as your reference. Focus on sustainable, healthy habits rather than rapid weight change.
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.