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 Right Weight For Your Height?
There's no single "right weight" — it depends on your height, age, sex, and body composition. However, the NHS provides a healthy weight range for each height based on BMI (body mass index). In the UK, a healthy BMI sits between 18.5 and 24.9, which translates into a specific weight range for your height. This guide explains how to find your personal healthy weight range and why it matters for your health.
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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 Healthy Weight Ranges By Height
The NHS uses BMI as the main tool to determine healthy weight ranges. Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. For most UK adults, a healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9.
However, BMI thresholds are lower for certain ethnic groups. Adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage face higher health risks at lower BMI levels, so the NHS recommends a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 22.9 for these populations.
Here are some example healthy weight ranges for common UK heights:
- 5ft 4in (163cm): approximately 50–63kg (7st 12lbs to 9st 13lbs)
- 5ft 6in (168cm): approximately 52–69kg (8st 3lbs to 10st 11lbs)
- 5ft 8in (173cm): approximately 55–74kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 9lbs)
- 5ft 10in (178cm): approximately 58–80kg (9st 2lbs to 12st 8lbs)
- 6ft (183cm): approximately 62–86kg (9st 10lbs to 13st 7lbs)
Use our free BMI calculator on this page to find your exact healthy weight range for your height instantly.
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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.
Important BMI Limitations
BMI is useful but not perfect. It doesn't account for muscle mass, so athletes or very muscular people may have a higher BMI while still being healthy. BMI also doesn't show where fat is stored — waist circumference matters too. Men with a waist above 94cm (37in) or women above 80cm (31.5in) face increased health risks, even at a "healthy" BMI.
Weight is influenced by genetics, medications, medical conditions, and lifestyle. There's no universal "right weight" — what matters is finding a weight range where you feel healthy and energetic. If you're unsure whether your weight is healthy for your height, speak to your GP. They can give personalised advice based on your individual health, not just numbers.
- 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.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range for my height?
Use the NHS BMI formula: your weight (kg) divided by your height (metres) squared should equal between 18.5 and 24.9. You can convert your height and weight using our free weight converter, then use our BMI calculator to find your exact healthy range instantly. Lower thresholds apply if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage.
Why does healthy weight vary by height?
Taller people naturally weigh more — it's about body composition and surface area. BMI accounts for this by using height squared in the calculation. A weight that's healthy for someone 5ft 10in would be underweight for someone 6ft 2in. That's why each height has its own healthy range.
What if my weight is above the healthy range for my height?
Being above your healthy weight range may increase health risks like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Small changes help — even losing 5–10% of your body weight can improve health. Speak to your GP about safe, sustainable weight management strategies. Our weight loss calculator and progress tracker can help monitor your journey.
Is the healthy weight range the same for men and women?
The BMI categories are the same for both (18.5–24.9 is healthy), but the actual weight in kilograms will differ because men and women typically have different heights and muscle mass. Your personalised healthy range depends on your specific height and body composition, not your sex.
Should I aim for the lower or upper end of the healthy weight range?
Anywhere within the 18.5–24.9 BMI range is considered healthy by NHS standards. Where you fall depends on your frame size, muscle mass, and genetics. You don't need to reach the lower end — consistency and feeling healthy matter more than hitting a specific number. Your GP can advise what's realistic and healthy for you personally.
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.