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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Waist-to-Height Ratio Calculator — What's a Healthy WHR?
Your waist-to-height ratio (WHR) is a simple health measurement that may predict cardiovascular risk more accurately than BMI alone. It divides your waist circumference by your height — both measured in the same units. A healthy WHR is below 0.5 for all adults, regardless of age or sex. Unlike BMI, which doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, WHR specifically measures where excess weight is carried, which is clinically significant because fat stored around the abdomen carries greater health risks. This UK health guide explains how to calculate your WHR and what your result means for your wellbeing.
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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 to Calculate Your Waist-to-Height Ratio
Calculating your WHR is straightforward and requires only two measurements:
- Measure your waist circumference: Place a tape measure around your natural waist (midway between your hip bone and rib cage) while standing relaxed. Record in centimetres or inches.
- Measure your height: Measure or record your height in the same unit as your waist circumference.
- Divide waist by height: WHR = waist circumference ÷ height. For example, if your waist is 80cm and height is 170cm, your WHR is 80 ÷ 170 = 0.47.
Use our free BMI calculator above alongside this measurement to get a complete picture of your weight and health profile. WHR provides valuable context that BMI alone cannot offer, particularly regarding central obesity and abdominal fat distribution, which are linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
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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.
WHR Categories and What They Mean for Your Health
The NHS and health organisations worldwide recommend a healthy WHR of below 0.5 for all adults. This means your waist measurement should be less than half your height. A WHR of 0.5 or above indicates increased health risk, particularly regarding heart disease and metabolic conditions. Some research suggests that WHR may be a better predictor of cardiovascular mortality than BMI, especially in older adults where muscle loss can skew BMI readings. If your WHR is 0.5 or above, discussing this with your GP is worthwhile. They can assess your overall health context, including family history, fitness level, and other risk factors. You may find it helpful to use our weight converter to understand your weight in different units, and our progress tracker to monitor changes over time as part of a healthy lifestyle journey.
- 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.
Is waist-to-height ratio better than BMI?
Both are useful but measure different things. BMI shows overall weight relative to height; WHR specifically measures abdominal fat distribution. Research suggests WHR may better predict cardiovascular risk, especially in older adults. Using both together — alongside your GP's assessment — gives a more complete health picture than either alone.
What waist circumference is considered healthy in the UK?
According to NHS guidance, healthy waist circumference thresholds are: men under 94cm (37 inches) = low risk, 94–102cm = increased risk; women under 80cm (31.5 inches) = low risk, 80–88cm = increased risk. These are screening values only — your GP can interpret your personal risk.
Can I have a healthy WHR but an unhealthy BMI?
Yes, it's possible. Someone with significant muscle mass might have a higher BMI but a healthy WHR. Conversely, someone with a healthy BMI but poor muscle tone might have a less favourable WHR. This is why using multiple measures — BMI, WHR, and fitness level — gives a more accurate health assessment.
How often should I measure my waist-to-height ratio?
Measuring every 4–8 weeks is reasonable if you're monitoring weight or health changes. Taking frequent daily measurements can be demotivating due to natural daily fluctuations in water retention and digestion. Focus on trends over months rather than day-to-day variation.
Does WHR matter if I'm already within a healthy BMI range?
Yes. Someone can be a healthy BMI but still carry excess abdominal fat, which carries health risks. Conversely, someone with a slightly elevated BMI but good muscle mass and a healthy WHR may have lower cardiovascular risk. WHR adds important context to the BMI picture for a fuller health assessment.
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.