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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Recommended Weight Chart for UK Adults
A recommended weight chart shows the healthy weight range for your height according to NHS guidelines. Your ideal weight depends on your height, age, sex, and muscle mass — not a single number. In the UK, we use BMI (body mass index) as the primary screening tool, with a healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9 for most adults. However, ethnicity matters: adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage have higher health risks at lower BMI levels, so NHS guidance recommends different thresholds for these groups. This guide explains how to find your recommended weight range and what it means for your health.
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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.
Understanding Healthy Weight Ranges in the UK
The NHS healthy weight range is calculated using BMI (body mass index), which divides your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For most UK adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. To find your personal healthy weight range, you need your height:
- If you're 5ft 5in (165cm) tall: healthy weight is approximately 50–67kg (7st 12lbs to 10st 7lbs)
- If you're 5ft 8in (173cm) tall: healthy weight is approximately 55–74kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 9lbs)
- If you're 5ft 10in (178cm) tall: healthy weight is approximately 59–79kg (9st 4lbs to 12st 6lbs)
- If you're 6ft (183cm) tall: healthy weight is approximately 64–86kg (10st 1lbs to 13st 7lbs)
These ranges account for natural variation in frame size and muscle mass. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your exact healthy weight range based on your individual 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.
BMI Limitations and Individual Factors
Whilst BMI is a useful screening tool recommended by the NHS, it has important limitations. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat — an athlete with significant muscle mass may have a high BMI but low body fat. BMI also doesn't account for where fat is stored; excess weight around the waist poses greater health risks than weight distributed elsewhere. For these reasons, the NHS recommends measuring waist circumference alongside BMI. Men should aim for less than 94cm (37 inches); women less than 80cm (31.5 inches). Your GP can provide personalised health advice based on your individual circumstances, medical history, and fitness level. Use the weight converter on this page to switch between kg, stone, and pounds for easier reference.
- 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 is the recommended weight for a woman who is 5ft 4in tall?
For a woman 5ft 4in (163cm) tall, the NHS healthy weight range is approximately 47–64kg (7st 6lbs to 10st 1lb), based on a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9. However, this assumes average frame size and muscle mass. Your GP can advise on what's healthy for you personally, considering your age, fitness level, and medical history.
Do different ethnic groups have different healthy weight ranges?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage because these groups face higher risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels. For these groups, a healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 22.9, rather than 18.5 to 24.9. Always discuss your personal health goals with your GP.
What is the difference between healthy weight and ideal weight?
Healthy weight is a range (typically a BMI of 18.5–24.9) that reduces disease risk for most people. Ideal weight is more personal — it depends on your fitness goals, muscle mass, frame size, and overall health. A weight within the healthy range that makes you feel energised and confident may be your ideal weight, even if it differs from someone else's at the same height.
Should I use a weight chart or calculate my BMI?
Both have value. A weight chart gives you a quick visual reference for your height. Calculating your actual BMI (using our free BMI calculator above) is more precise because it accounts for your exact height and weight. BMI is the tool recommended by the NHS for screening, but should be combined with waist measurement and discussion with your GP.
How do I lose weight safely if I'm above the recommended range?
The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5–1kg per week, achieved through a calorie deficit of around 500 calories per day. This typically involves both dietary changes and increased physical activity. For personalised guidance, speak to your GP. If you'd like to track your progress, our free progress tracker makes it easy to log weight changes week by week.
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.