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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Weight Height Chart According To Age — UK Health Guide
A healthy weight varies based on your height, age, and individual health factors rather than age alone. In the UK, the NHS uses BMI (body mass index) as the primary tool to determine if a weight is healthy for your height, regardless of age. While metabolism naturally slows with age and body composition changes, healthy weight ranges are primarily calculated from your current height and weight rather than your age. This guide explains how to find your personal healthy weight range using NHS standards and helps you understand what influences healthy weight at different life stages.
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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 Is Healthy Weight Calculated in the UK?
The NHS defines healthy weight using BMI, which is calculated from your height and weight. A healthy BMI range for most UK adults is 18.5 to 24.9, regardless of age. To find your healthy weight range for your height, use this formula: multiply your height in metres by itself, then divide your target weight in kg by that result. Our free BMI calculator above will do this instantly for you.
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds: a healthy BMI is 18.5 to 22.9. This reflects that these populations have higher cardiovascular risk at the same BMI levels as other ethnic groups.
- Healthy BMI: 18.5–24.9 (most adults)
- Healthy BMI: 18.5–22.9 (South Asian, Chinese, Black African/Caribbean adults)
- Overweight: BMI 25.0–29.9
- Obese: BMI 30.0 and above
Use our free weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and pounds when checking your measurements.
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.
Does Age Affect Your Healthy Weight Range?
Age does not change your healthy weight range directly, but metabolism and body composition do change with age. After age 30, muscle mass naturally decreases by approximately 3–8% per decade without resistance exercise, which slows metabolism. This means older adults may need fewer calories to maintain the same weight. However, the NHS BMI categories remain the same across all ages—your height and weight determine your healthy range, not your age.
What changes with age is how you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Younger adults may find weight loss easier due to higher metabolism, while older adults may benefit more from resistance training alongside dietary changes to preserve muscle mass. Regardless of age, aiming for a healthy BMI and regular physical activity supports long-term health.
- 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 healthy weight for my height in the UK?
Use your height to find your healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9). Our free BMI calculator above will show your personal healthy weight range instantly. For example, at 5ft 8in (173cm), a healthy weight is approximately 55–73kg. Your GP can also advise on your individual healthy weight target.
Does healthy weight change as you get older?
No, the healthy BMI range (18.5–24.9) stays the same throughout adulthood. However, metabolism slows with age, so older adults typically need fewer calories to maintain weight. Muscle loss is common with age—resistance exercise helps preserve it and supports healthy weight management.
Are there different healthy weight charts for men and women?
The NHS BMI categories are the same for men and women. However, body composition differs: women typically have higher body fat percentage at the same BMI. A weight converter and BMI calculator are useful tools for both sexes to check healthy weight ranges at your height.
How can I track whether my weight is healthy for my age and height?
Calculate your BMI using your current height and weight. Our free BMI calculator and progress tracker above help you monitor your weight over time and see how it compares to NHS healthy weight ranges. Record your measurements regularly to track progress.
What should I do if I'm outside the healthy weight range for my height?
If your BMI is outside 18.5–24.9, speak to your GP. They can discuss personalised weight management strategies, which may include dietary changes, physical activity, or in some cases, prescription support. The NHS offers tier 1–4 weight management services depending on your needs.
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.