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
Standard Weight To Height — What's Healthy for Your Height?
There's no single "standard" weight that applies to everyone at a given height—weight depends on factors like muscle mass, bone density, age, and genetics. However, the NHS provides a healthy weight range for each height using BMI (Body Mass Index). This guide explains how to find the healthy weight range for your height using UK health standards, and how our free BMI calculator and weight converter can help you understand where you stand in relation to NHS guidance.
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.
NHS Healthy Weight Ranges By Height
The NHS defines a healthy weight range using BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for most UK adults. To find your target range, multiply your height (in metres) squared by 18.5 and then by 24.9. For example, at 5ft 8in (1.73m), a healthy weight range is approximately 55kg to 74kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 8lbs). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends slightly lower thresholds (BMI 18.5–22.9) due to higher health risks at standard BMI levels.
- Underweight (BMI below 18.5): May indicate nutritional deficiency or underlying health issues
- Healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9): Associated with lowest risk of weight-related disease
- Overweight (BMI 25–29.9): Increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Obese (BMI 30+): Significantly elevated health risks including hypertension and joint problems
Use our free weight converter to find your current weight in stone, lbs, and kg, then compare it to your healthy weight range using our BMI calculator to see where you sit.
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 Limitations of "Standard" Weight
BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. A muscular person or athlete may have a high BMI but be in excellent health, whilst someone at a "healthy" BMI may have poor fitness. The NHS also recommends measuring waist circumference alongside BMI—for men, increased risk begins at 94cm (37in) and high risk at 102cm (40in); for women, 80cm (31.5in) and 88cm (34.5in) respectively. Age, hormonal changes, medication, and medical conditions all affect weight independent of height. Rather than chasing a specific number, focus on sustainable lifestyle habits: balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, and consistent monitoring using our free progress tracker.
- 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 healthy weight range for someone 5ft 6in tall?
At 5ft 6in (168cm), a healthy BMI of 18.5–24.9 gives a weight range of approximately 52kg to 70kg (8st 2lbs to 11st). For South Asian or Black African heritage, aim for 52–63kg (8st 2lbs to 9st 13lbs). Your GP can advise on your personal target based on your health history and fitness level.
Does muscle weigh more than fat?
Yes. Muscle is denser than fat, so two people at the same weight and height can look very different. This is why BMI has limitations and why waist measurement matters. A strong person with high muscle mass may have a higher BMI than someone sedentary, but better health outcomes. Focus on how you feel and your fitness, not just the number on the scale.
Can I use "standard weight" to know if I'm overweight?
Standard weight ranges are a useful starting point, but they're not personalised. Use our free BMI calculator to find your personal BMI based on your exact height and current weight, then compare it to NHS guidelines. If you're concerned, discuss with your GP—they can assess your individual health context, including waist measurement and medical history.
Why do South Asian adults have different healthy weight thresholds?
Research shows South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean populations have higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at standard BMI levels. The NHS recommends lower thresholds (BMI 18.5–22.9 for healthy weight) for these groups. This reflects genetic and metabolic differences and ensures screening catches risk earlier in these communities.
How do I find my healthy weight for my height?
Use our free BMI calculator above—enter your height and current weight to see your BMI instantly, then compare it to NHS ranges. You can also use our weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and lbs. If your BMI falls outside the healthy range and you'd like to manage your weight, your GP can discuss options including lifestyle changes or referral to weight management services.
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.