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 Hip Ratio Calculator — Assess Your Health Risk
Your waist to hip ratio is a simple but powerful health measurement that many healthcare professionals consider more predictive of cardiovascular disease risk than BMI alone. This ratio compares your waist circumference to your hip circumference, revealing where your body stores fat — and that matters for your health. A healthy waist to hip ratio is below 0.5 for all adults, regardless of your overall weight. Whether you're tracking your health journey or preparing to discuss weight management options with your GP, understanding your waist to hip ratio gives you a clearer picture than weight or BMI measurements alone.
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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 Hip Ratio
Calculating your waist to hip ratio is straightforward and requires only two measurements:
- Waist circumference: Measure around your natural waist (the narrowest point, usually just above your navel) while standing relaxed. Measure in centimetres or inches.
- Hip circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your hips while standing with feet together.
- The formula: Divide your waist measurement by your hip measurement. For example, a waist of 80cm and hips of 100cm gives a ratio of 0.8.
A healthy waist to hip ratio is below 0.5 for all adults according to NHS health guidance. Ratios above 0.5 indicate increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and other weight-related health conditions. This measurement is particularly useful because it reflects fat distribution — central obesity (fat stored around the abdomen) carries higher health risks than fat stored on hips and thighs.
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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.
Why Waist to Hip Ratio Matters for Your Health
While BMI provides a general screening tool for weight categories, your waist to hip ratio tells a more nuanced story about your health risk. Two people with the same BMI can have very different health outcomes based on where their body stores fat. Central obesity — excess weight concentrated around your abdomen — is strongly linked to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease, even in people with a BMI in the "normal" range.
Your GP may discuss your waist to hip ratio as part of a comprehensive health assessment, particularly if you're exploring weight management options. If your ratio is above 0.5, lifestyle changes including increased physical activity and dietary adjustments can help. For some people, prescription weight loss medications used alongside these changes may be appropriate — your healthcare professional can assess this individually. Track your progress using our free progress tracker, combine it with regular activity, and work with your GP on your personalised health plan.
- 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 a healthy waist to hip ratio?
A healthy waist to hip ratio is below 0.5 for all adults. This is based on NHS and international health guidelines. Ratios above 0.5 indicate increased cardiovascular risk. Your GP can discuss what your personal ratio means for your health and recommend next steps if needed.
Is waist to hip ratio better than BMI?
They measure different things. BMI indicates overall weight status; waist to hip ratio shows fat distribution and central obesity risk. Many healthcare professionals use both together for a complete picture. A healthy BMI doesn't assures a healthy waist to hip ratio, and vice versa. Our free BMI calculator helps you check both metrics.
Can I improve my waist to hip ratio?
Yes. Regular physical activity, particularly strength training and cardiovascular exercise, can reduce central fat storage. Combined with a balanced, reduced-calorie diet, most people see measurable improvements within 8–12 weeks. If lifestyle changes alone aren't sufficient, your GP can discuss whether prescription weight management support might be appropriate for you.
How often should I measure my waist to hip ratio?
Monthly measurements provide meaningful tracking without becoming obsessive. Measure at the same time of day, ideally in the morning before eating, for consistency. Record your results to track progress over time. Our free progress tracker makes logging measurements easy and helps you visualise your health journey.
Does waist to hip ratio apply to everyone?
Waist to hip ratio is a useful screening tool for most adults. However, it may be less accurate in elderly people with age-related muscle loss, during pregnancy, or in people with certain medical conditions. Your GP can advise on whether this measurement is appropriate for your individual 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.