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
Waist to Height Chart — A Complete UK Health Guide
Your waist to height ratio is a powerful health indicator that reveals where fat is stored on your body — something BMI alone cannot show. Unlike BMI, which treats all weight equally regardless of whether it's muscle or fat, waist to height ratio directly measures abdominal fat, which is most strongly linked to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The NHS recommends keeping your waist to height ratio below 0.5 for all UK adults, making it a practical tool you can track at home. Combined with our free BMI calculator and weight converter, understanding your waist to height ratio gives you a complete picture of your weight and health.
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.
What Is a Healthy Waist to Height Ratio?
Waist to height ratio is calculated by dividing your waist circumference by your height — both measured in the same units (centimetres or inches). A ratio below 0.5 is considered healthy for all adults and all ethnicities. For example, if you are 170cm tall, a healthy waist circumference would be below 85cm (0.5 × 170). A ratio of 0.5 to 0.6 indicates increased health risk, while above 0.6 suggests significantly elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions.
This measurement matters because waist to height ratio accounts for where your body stores fat. Excess fat around the abdomen (visceral fat) is metabolically more dangerous than fat stored elsewhere. The NHS recognises waist to height ratio as a more accurate predictor of health risk than BMI alone. Research shows people with the same BMI but different waist to height ratios can have very different health outcomes. Use our free weight converter to track changes in your measurements over time, and combine this with our BMI calculator to get a rounded view of your health metrics.
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.
How to Measure Your Waist Correctly
Accurate measurement is essential for a meaningful waist to height ratio. Measure your natural waist circumference — the narrowest point between your ribs and hip bones — not where you typically wear trousers. Stand upright, breathe out naturally (not sucking in your stomach), and measure horizontally with a soft tape measure or piece of string. Record your height using a stadiometer or against a wall with a spirit level for accuracy. Both measurements should be in centimetres for consistency. Take measurements in the morning before eating if possible, as abdominal circumference can increase slightly through the day. Repeat every 2–4 weeks and track your progress using our free progress tracker, which helps you monitor not just weight but the health improvements that matter most.
- 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's the difference between waist to height ratio and BMI?
BMI measures total body weight relative to height but cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. Waist to height ratio directly measures abdominal fat distribution, which is more strongly linked to heart disease and diabetes. Two people with identical BMIs can have very different health risks depending on where their body stores fat. The NHS recommends checking both metrics for a complete health picture.
Is waist to height ratio accurate for all body types?
Yes, waist to height ratio is considered more universally applicable than BMI because it accounts for different body frames and muscle mass. It works well for most adults and is recommended by the NHS for all ethnicities. However, very muscular individuals or those with certain medical conditions may need additional assessment. Your GP can provide personalised guidance if you're unsure.
What waist measurement indicates health risk?
The NHS defines increased risk when waist circumference exceeds 80cm for women or 94cm for men. High risk begins at 88cm for women or 102cm for men. However, your waist to height ratio is more reliable than absolute measurements because it accounts for your individual height. A ratio above 0.6 generally indicates significantly elevated metabolic risk.
How often should I measure my waist to height ratio?
Measuring every 2–4 weeks allows you to track meaningful changes without obsessing over short-term fluctuations. Weekly measurement can be discouraging as daily variations are normal. Our free progress tracker makes it easy to log measurements and spot trends over months. Combined with lifestyle changes like diet and physical activity, most people see measurable improvements within 8–12 weeks.
Can waist to height ratio predict weight loss success?
Waist to height ratio is an excellent predictor of health improvement during weight loss. Research shows that reducing your waist to height ratio — even without large overall weight changes — significantly lowers risk of heart disease and diabetes. This is why some people see major health benefits before the scales show dramatic changes. Track both weight and waist measurements to see the full picture of your progress.
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.