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
What's a Healthy Weight According to Your Height?
Your healthy weight depends on your height, age, sex, and muscle mass — not a single target number. According to NHS guidance, the best way to assess whether your weight is healthy is using your BMI (body mass index) combined with your height. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range instantly, or read on for UK-specific health context and guidance on weight management.
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 uses BMI to determine healthy weight ranges for adults. A healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9 for most UK adults. However, for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds: 18.5 to 22.9 — because these groups face higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
- For a person who is 5ft 6in (168cm) tall, a healthy weight range is approximately 50–68 kg (7st 12lbs to 10st 10lbs)
- For a person who is 5ft 10in (178cm) tall, a healthy weight range is approximately 58–78 kg (9st 2lbs to 12st 4lbs)
- For a person who is 6ft (183cm) tall, a healthy weight range is approximately 65–88 kg (10st 3lbs to 13st 12lbs)
These ranges are guidelines only. Your GP can provide personalised advice about what's healthy for your individual circumstances, medical history, and fitness level.
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.
Using the Weight Converter and BMI Calculator for Your Height
Finding your healthy weight according to your height is easiest using our free weight converter above — simply enter your height in centimetres or feet and inches, then check where your current weight falls on the healthy range scale. Our BMI calculator will show you instantly whether you're in the healthy, overweight, or obese range according to NHS guidelines.
Remember that BMI has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where body fat is stored. Waist circumference also matters: the NHS recommends keeping your waist below 94cm (37 inches) for men and 80cm (31.5 inches) for women to reduce health risks, regardless of height or weight.
- 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 ideal weight for someone who is 5ft 8in tall?
For someone 5ft 8in (173cm) tall, a healthy BMI range suggests 56–76 kg (8st 12lbs to 12st). This varies based on age, sex, muscle mass, and ethnicity. Use our free BMI calculator with your height to find your personal healthy range — or ask your GP for individualised guidance.
Does healthy weight according to height change with age?
Healthy BMI thresholds don't officially change with age, but muscle naturally decreases and weight distribution shifts over time. Older adults may benefit from maintaining a BMI towards the higher end of the healthy range. Your GP can advise on what's appropriate for your age and health.
Why do South Asian and Black adults have different healthy weight ranges?
Research shows these groups develop weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels. The NHS therefore recommends lower BMI thresholds (18.5–22.9) for these populations to account for genetic and metabolic differences.
How accurate is BMI for determining healthy weight by height?
BMI is a useful screening tool but has significant limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or very muscular people may have a high BMI despite low body fat. Waist measurement, fitness level, and overall health matter more than BMI alone.
Should I aim for the lower or upper end of my healthy weight range according to my height?
This depends on your individual factors — muscle mass, fitness level, age, and personal health goals. Most people maintain health anywhere within the healthy BMI range. Your GP or a registered dietitian can help you set a realistic, healthy target weight for your height and circumstances.
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.