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 The Average Weight for UK Adults?
The average weight for UK adults varies significantly by age, gender, and height. According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13 stone 7 lbs), whilst the average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs). However, average weight is quite different from ideal body weight or a healthy weight range — and knowing your personal healthy weight range matters far more for your health than matching the average.
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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.
Average UK Weight by Gender and Height
The average weight for UK adults depends on several factors, particularly height and gender. Average UK adult man: 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs), height 175.3 cm (5ft 9in), BMI approximately 27.9. Average UK adult woman: 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs), height 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in), BMI approximately 27.4.
It's important to note that the average UK adult is currently classified as overweight according to NHS guidelines — a healthy weight range for adults sits between a BMI of 18.5 and 24.9. This means that simply matching the average weight doesn't assures good health. Instead, use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your height. Your ideal weight depends on your individual body composition, muscle mass, and frame size — not population averages.
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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 Range vs Average Weight
The healthy weight range you should aim for is based on your height, not national averages. Using the NHS healthy weight ranges, an adult who is 175 cm (5ft 9in) tall should weigh between approximately 56.5 kg and 76 kg (8st 12lbs to 12st), depending on body composition. For someone 165 cm (5ft 5in) tall, the healthy range is approximately 50.4 kg to 67.8 kg (7st 13lbs to 10st 10lbs). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower thresholds apply. Try our weight converter above to translate these ranges into your preferred units, and remember that factors like muscle mass, bone density, and overall fitness matter alongside the number on the scales.
- 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 a woman in the UK?
According to ONS data, the average UK adult woman weighs approximately 71.6 kg (11 stone 3 lbs) and is about 161.6 cm (5ft 3.5in) tall. However, average does not mean healthy — a healthy weight for a woman depends on her individual height and body composition, not population statistics. Use the free BMI calculator to find your personal healthy range.
Is the average UK weight considered healthy?
No. The average UK adult has a BMI of approximately 27–28, which falls into the overweight category according to NHS guidelines. A healthy BMI sits between 18.5 and 24.9. Whilst many UK adults are overweight, this does not mean it is healthy. Individual assessment with your GP is important.
What should I weigh for my height?
Your healthy weight range depends on your height and body composition. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy range instantly. As a guide, at 5ft 9in, healthy weights range from approximately 8st 12lbs to 12st. For other heights, use the calculator for an accurate, personalised range based on NHS guidelines.
How do I calculate my ideal body weight?
The most practical method is calculating your BMI using your height and weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 indicates a healthy weight range. Use our free BMI calculator above for gradual improvement. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean adults, lower BMI thresholds apply — discuss this with your GP.
Does average weight vary by age?
Yes. Weight typically increases with age up to around 60–65 years, then may decrease slightly. Additionally, muscle mass naturally decreases with age, so two people of the same weight and height at different ages may have different body compositions. Your GP can discuss what weight range is healthy for you at your specific age and health status.
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.