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 the Right Height and Weight for You?
Finding the right height and weight balance is essential for your health, but there's no single "ideal" weight — it depends on your individual height, frame size, and overall fitness. The NHS uses BMI (body mass index) as a screening tool to help determine whether your height and weight combination falls within a healthy range. Using our free BMI calculator, you can instantly check whether your measurements align with NHS health guidance. This informational guide explains how height and weight interact, what healthy weight management means, and how to use these measurements for better health decisions.
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.
How Height and Weight Determine Healthy Range
Your healthy weight range depends primarily on your height. The NHS uses BMI to assess this relationship, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. For example, a person who is 5ft 8in (173cm) tall has a different healthy weight range than someone who is 5ft 2in (157cm) tall — the taller person will naturally have a higher healthy weight while still maintaining the same BMI.
According to NHS guidance, a healthy BMI for most UK adults is between 18.5 and 24.9. Within this range, your height and weight are considered proportionate and associated with lower health risks. The healthy weight range for any given height can be calculated using the BMI formula.
- For 5ft 8in (173cm): healthy weight range is approximately 55–73 kg (8st 9lbs – 11st 7lbs)
- For 5ft 4in (163cm): healthy weight range is approximately 49–65 kg (7st 10lbs – 10st 3lbs)
- For 5ft 10in (178cm): healthy weight range is approximately 59–79 kg (9st 4lbs – 12st 6lbs)
Use our free weight converter and BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your exact height.
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.
Important Factors Beyond Height and Weight
Height and weight alone don't tell the whole story about health. Two people at the same height and weight can have very different body compositions — one may have more muscle, the other more fat. Muscle weighs more than fat, so athletes or very active people may have a higher weight but lower health risks.
The location of excess weight also matters. Fat stored around the waist (belly fat) is more strongly linked to health risks than fat elsewhere. The NHS recommends measuring your waist circumference alongside BMI: men should aim for under 94cm (37in), and women under 80cm (31.5in). Age, genetics, and overall fitness level all influence what the "right" height and weight means for you personally. Your GP can provide tailored advice about your individual healthy weight range.
- 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 ideal weight for my height?
There is no single ideal weight — instead, the NHS recommends aiming for a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9, which varies by height. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range. For example, at 5ft 8in, a healthy weight is roughly 55–73 kg. Your GP can advise on what's right for your individual circumstances.
How do I calculate healthy weight from height?
The healthy weight range is calculated using BMI: multiply your height in metres squared by 18.5 (lower bound) and 24.9 (upper bound). For 173cm (5ft 8in): 18.5 × (1.73)² = 55.4 kg and 24.9 × (1.73)² = 74.5 kg. Our weight converter and BMI calculator do this instantly.
Is there a healthy weight chart for UK adults?
Yes — the NHS provides BMI charts showing healthy weight ranges by height. Our free BMI calculator generates your personal range based on your measurements. For South Asian, Black African, or Chinese adults, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds (18.5–22.9 BMI) because these groups face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
What if my height and weight don't match the healthy range?
If your BMI falls outside 18.5–24.9, sustainable lifestyle changes can help. The NHS recommends losing no more than 0.5–1 kg per week through reduced-calorie diet and increased activity. If you're concerned, speak to your GP — they can assess your individual health and discuss options including support services or, where appropriate, prescription weight management options.
Does muscle affect the right height and weight?
Yes — BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or very muscular people may have a higher BMI but lower health risks. Waist circumference (men: under 94cm, women: under 80cm) is a better indicator in these cases. Your GP can advise whether your specific height, weight, and fitness level are healthy for you.
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.