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's the Preferred Weight For Your Height?
Your preferred weight depends on your height, age, sex, and overall health — there's no single "ideal" number that suits everyone. The NHS uses BMI (body mass index) to define healthy weight ranges for adults, and this varies significantly by individual factors including ethnicity and medical history. Understanding where your weight falls within the healthy range for your height is the first step towards informed health management. This UK health guide explains how to find your preferred weight range and why NHS guidance recommends individual assessment rather than one-size-fits-all targets.
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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 Guidance on Healthy Weight For Your Height
The NHS defines a healthy BMI as 18.5 to 24.9, and this translates to different weight ranges depending on your height. For example, at 5ft 8in (173cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 55–73kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 7lbs). At 5ft 4in (163cm), the range is roughly 49–65kg (7st 9lbs to 10st 3lbs).
However, preferred weight is more nuanced than a simple number. The NHS now recognises that ethnicity affects health risk at different BMI levels. Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage should aim for a BMI of 18.5–22.9 instead of the standard 18.5–24.9, because these populations face higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at lower weights.
- BMI accounts for both your height and weight together — not height alone
- Your preferred weight range is typically a span of 5–10kg, not a single target number
- Age, muscle mass, and medical conditions also influence what's healthy for you personally
Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range instantly based on your height.
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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 Target Weight Range
Rather than aiming for a single "perfect" weight, think of your preferred weight as a healthy range. A typical healthy range spans about 9–14kg. The middle of this range often feels sustainable and is easier to maintain long-term than chasing an exact number.
Your GP can help you identify a realistic preferred weight based on your personal health history, any existing medical conditions, and your lifestyle. If you're overweight or obese according to NHS categories, losing even 5–10% of your current weight brings significant health benefits — you don't need to reach the "lower" end of the healthy range to improve your health.
Our weight converter makes it easy to see your weight across kg, stone, and pounds, so you can understand your range in whichever units feel most familiar. Your GP remains your best resource for setting a preferred weight target that's right for you individually.
- 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 weight range for someone 5ft 6in tall?
At 5ft 6in (168cm), a healthy weight range under NHS guidelines is approximately 51–67kg (8st 0lbs to 10st 7lbs), based on a BMI of 18.5–24.9. This assumes an adult of White, Asian, or Mixed ethnicity. South Asian or Black heritage adults may have a slightly lower healthy range. Your GP can advise on your personal target.
Is there a difference between ideal weight and healthy weight?
Yes. Healthy weight is a range based on BMI and NHS guidelines. Ideal weight is more personal — it considers your genetics, muscle mass, medical history, and what weight you can sustain long-term. A weight in the healthy BMI range that you can maintain comfortably is your ideal weight. Your GP can help you find this.
Why does ethnicity affect preferred weight for height?
Research shows that people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels than other groups. The NHS recommends a lower BMI range (18.5–22.9) for these populations to better reflect health risk. This is not about appearance — it's about preventing disease.
What if I'm overweight but have health problems — should I aim for the lower end of healthy weight?
Not necessarily. Even modest weight loss — 5–10% of your current weight — significantly improves blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol in most people. Your GP may recommend aiming for a realistic intermediate weight rather than the absolute lower end of the healthy range, especially if you have existing health conditions.
How do I convert my preferred weight range to different units?
Use our free weight converter to switch between kilograms, stone, and pounds instantly. This makes it easy to understand your healthy range in whichever measurement you prefer. Your BMI calculator will also show your preferred range in both metric and imperial units.
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.