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 Is My Healthy Weight For My Height?
Your healthy weight depends on your height, age, sex, muscle mass, and frame size — not just a single number. According to NHS guidelines, a healthy weight range for an adult is calculated using BMI (body mass index), which falls between 18.5 and 24.9. However, ethnicity matters: if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean descent, the NHS recommends a healthier range of 18.5 to 22.9 due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal healthy weight range instantly based on your exact height and current weight.
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.
Healthy Weight Ranges by Height — NHS Data
The healthy weight range for any height is calculated using the NHS BMI formula. Here are typical healthy weight ranges for common UK heights:
- 5ft 2in (158cm): 47–63kg (7st 5lbs – 9st 13lbs)
- 5ft 4in (163cm): 52–70kg (8st 2lbs – 11st 0lbs)
- 5ft 6in (168cm): 55–74kg (8st 9lbs – 11st 9lbs)
- 5ft 8in (173cm): 59–79kg (9st 4lbs – 12st 6lbs)
- 5ft 10in (178cm): 64–86kg (10st 1lbs – 13st 7lbs)
- 6ft 0in (183cm): 69–92kg (10st 12lbs – 14st 6lbs)
These ranges assume a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9. The ideal body weight sits comfortably within this range, though individual factors affect where you should aim within it. Calculate your exact healthy weight range using the BMI calculator on this page, or use our free weight converter to express these values in your preferred units.
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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.
Factors That Affect Your Ideal Weight
Your ideal weight for height isn't one fixed number — it varies based on several factors. Muscle mass plays a significant role: muscular individuals may have a higher BMI but lower body fat. Frame size (small, medium, or large bone structure) naturally affects weight distribution. Age matters too; metabolism slows with age, and muscle naturally decreases. Sex affects healthy ranges: women typically have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI. Ethnicity changes risk thresholds — South Asian and Black African adults face higher cardiovascular risk at lower BMI levels, so lower thresholds apply. Your GP can assess your individual healthy weight considering these personal factors.
- 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 average weight for UK adults by height?
According to ONS (Office for National Statistics) data, the average UK man weighs approximately 85.7kg (13st 7lbs) at 175cm (5ft 9in), and the average UK woman weighs approximately 71.6kg (11st 3lbs) at 162cm (5ft 4in). However, average weight is not the same as healthy weight — healthy weight depends on individual BMI, muscle mass, and health context. Use our BMI calculator to find your personal healthy range.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range for my height?
The NHS uses BMI (body mass index): divide your weight in kg by your height in metres squared. A BMI between 18.5–24.9 is healthy for most adults; 18.5–22.9 for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults. Our free BMI calculator on this page does this instantly. Alternatively, multiply your height in metres squared by 18.5 for the lower bound and by 24.9 for the upper bound.
Does my healthy weight depend on my sex or age?
Yes, both matter. Women typically have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI, so the healthy BMI range is the same but the composition differs. Age affects metabolism and muscle mass — as you age, maintaining muscle becomes more important for health. Your GP can advise on what's healthy for you personally, considering your age, sex, medical history, and lifestyle.
Is BMI the only way to check if I'm at a healthy weight?
No. BMI is useful but has limitations — it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes may have high BMI with low body fat. Waist circumference is also important: men should aim for under 94cm (37in), women under 80cm (31.5in). Waist-to-height ratio (waist ÷ height should be under 0.5) is increasingly used. Your GP can assess your overall health, not just BMI.
What if I'm of South Asian or Black African heritage — does my healthy weight differ?
Yes. The NHS recommends a healthier BMI range of 18.5–22.9 for South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults, compared to 18.5–24.9 for other groups. This is because these populations face higher risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower BMI levels. Your GP or a healthcare professional can discuss your individual healthy weight based on your ethnicity and health profile.
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.