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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What's a Healthy Weight Ratio for Your Height?
Your weight ratio for height is one of the most practical ways to assess whether your weight falls within a healthy range for your build. In the UK, the NHS uses BMI (Body Mass Index) as the primary screening tool, which compares your weight against your height. However, many people find it more intuitive to understand their healthy weight range in stone and pounds for their specific height. This guide explains how weight and height relate to health, using UK measurements and NHS guidance to help you understand what's considered a healthy weight for your particular height.
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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 Weight Ratio for Height Works in the UK
Your weight ratio for height is calculated using BMI (Body Mass Index), which divides your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. The NHS uses BMI categories to screen for weight-related health risks.
According to NHS guidance, a healthy weight for adults is a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. However, for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds — a healthy weight starts at BMI 18.5 and goes up to 22.9, because these groups face higher cardiovascular and diabetes risks at the same BMI.
Rather than thinking in abstract BMI numbers, many UK adults prefer to know their healthy weight range in stone and pounds. For example, at 5ft 8in (173cm), a healthy weight range is approximately 8st 10lbs to 11st 10lbs (55kg to 75kg). Our free BMI calculator above calculates both your BMI and your personalised healthy weight range instantly, based on your exact height.
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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.
Healthy Weight Ranges for Common UK Heights
Rather than a single "ideal" weight, health is better understood as a healthy weight range for your height. This accounts for differences in frame size, muscle mass, and bone density. Use our free weight converter to switch between metric and imperial measurements easily.
- At 5ft 4in (163cm): Healthy range is roughly 7st 11lbs to 10st 4lbs (49–65kg)
- At 5ft 6in (168cm): Healthy range is roughly 8st 4lbs to 11st (53–70kg)
- At 5ft 8in (173cm): Healthy range is roughly 8st 10lbs to 11st 10lbs (55–75kg)
- At 5ft 10in (178cm): Healthy range is roughly 9st 3lbs to 12st 4lbs (59–78kg)
If your weight falls outside your healthy range, even a modest 5–10% reduction can improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, and reduce joint strain. Your GP can provide personalised health guidance based on your individual circumstances.
- 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 BMI and weight ratio for height?
Weight ratio for height and BMI are essentially the same thing — both compare your weight to your height. BMI is the standard formula used by the NHS. The advantage of thinking about "weight ratio" is that it helps you understand why height matters as much as weight when assessing health. Two people weighing 70kg may have very different health profiles depending on their height.
Is there a perfect weight for my height?
No single perfect weight exists — there's a healthy weight *range* for your height, typically spanning about 8–10kg (1–1.5 stone). This range accounts for natural variation in frame size, muscle mass, and bone density. Health is about falling within that range, not hitting a specific number. Use our BMI calculator to find your personal range.
Why do South Asian and other ethnic groups have different weight thresholds?
The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults because research shows these groups develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels compared to white European populations. Genetics, metabolism, and fat distribution patterns differ between ethnicities, so one-size-fits-all BMI categories don't reflect individual health risk accurately.
Does muscle weight change my healthy weight ratio for height?
Yes — BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. An athlete with high muscle mass may have a BMI in the "overweight" category but low body fat and excellent health. Conversely, someone with a "healthy" BMI but low muscle mass may have higher health risks. Your GP can assess your health beyond just BMI using waist circumference and other measurements.
How do I know if I'm in a healthy weight range for my height?
Use our free BMI calculator on this page — enter your height and weight in either metric or imperial measurements, and it will instantly show your BMI, whether you're in the healthy range for your height, and your personalised healthy weight range. If you're concerned, your GP can also assess your weight health and discuss whether lifestyle changes or additional support would be helpful. ```
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.