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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Understanding Your Waist Hip Circumference Ratio
Your waist hip circumference ratio is a simple health measurement that reveals where your body stores fat β and why that matters for your wellbeing. Unlike BMI alone, which doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, your waist hip ratio gives a more complete picture of health risk. The NHS recognises this as an important health indicator alongside weight management, particularly for understanding cardiovascular disease risk. This UK health guide explains what your ratio means, how to measure it accurately, and why your GP might discuss it with you.
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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/mΒ²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure β it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution β 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 β 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 to Measure and Calculate Your Waist Hip Ratio
Measuring your waist circumference: Stand relaxed and measure around the narrowest point of your waist (usually just above your hip bone). Keep the tape measure snug but not tight. Take the measurement in centimetres.
Measuring your hip circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the ground.
Calculate your ratio: Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For example, if your waist is 80cm and hips are 100cm, your ratio is 0.8.
- Waist 80cm Γ· hips 100cm = 0.80 ratio
- Waist 75cm Γ· hips 95cm = 0.79 ratio
For the most accurate measurement, measure first thing in the morning before eating, or at the same time each day. Our free BMI calculator can help you assess your overall weight status alongside your ratio.
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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 β 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 β completely free.
What Your Waist Hip Ratio Means for Health
According to NHS guidance, a healthy waist hip ratio for adults is below 0.5 for all adults regardless of sex. A ratio above 0.5 indicates increased health risk. For men: ratios above 0.9 suggest higher cardiovascular risk. For women: ratios above 0.85 suggest higher risk. Central fat storage (around the abdomen) is linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure β more so than fat stored on hips and thighs.
Your waist hip ratio works alongside other measurements. Use our free weight converter to track your weight in kg, stone, or pounds, and calculate your BMI using our BMI calculator for a complete health picture.
- 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 β 5mg β 7.5mg β 10mg β 12.5mg β 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15β17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg β 0.5mg β 1mg β 1.7mg β 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 | 15β22.5% | 12β17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20β32 weeks | 16β20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | Β£150βΒ£250/month | Β£150βΒ£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 β 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.
Why is waist hip ratio important when I already know my BMI?
BMI measures overall weight relative to height but doesn't show where fat is stored. Waist hip ratio is important because fat stored around the abdomen (central obesity) carries greater health risks than fat on hips and thighs. Someone with a BMI in the healthy range but high waist hip ratio may still face increased disease risk. This is why NHS guidance recommends looking at both measurements.
What's the difference between waist hip ratio and waist to height ratio?
Waist hip ratio compares your waist to your hip measurement. Waist to height ratio (another NHS-supported measure) compares your waist circumference directly to your height β a healthy ratio is below 0.5 for adults. Both are useful; waist to height ratio is slightly simpler to measure and shows similar predictive value for health risk.
How often should I measure my waist hip ratio?
Measuring monthly is useful for tracking long-term health trends, especially if you're working on weight management with your GP or a weight management programme. Daily fluctuations are normal due to hydration, food intake, and time of day. For meaningful changes, measure at the same time each day β typically first thing in the morning.
Can I use waist hip ratio to determine if I need weight loss treatment?
Your waist hip ratio is one indicator your GP considers when assessing overall health and weight management needs. Eligibility for prescription weight loss treatment depends on BMI, health conditions, and individual assessment β not waist hip ratio alone. Speak with your GP who can review all measurements and advise whether treatment might help you.
Is waist hip ratio reliable for all ethnic groups?
Research suggests waist hip ratio is a useful measure across different populations, though the relationship between fat distribution and health risk may vary slightly by ethnicity. The NHS recommends that adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage use lower BMI thresholds β your GP can advise whether ethnicity-adjusted health guidelines apply to you.
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