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 For Me?
Your healthy weight depends on your height, age, muscle mass, and overall health — not just a single number. According to NHS guidelines, a healthy weight falls within a BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 for most adults, though this varies by ethnicity and individual circumstances. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range, and remember that health is about much more than the number on the scales.
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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.
NHS Healthy Weight Ranges by Height
The healthy weight range for your height is calculated using BMI (body mass index). For example, an adult who is 5ft 8in (173cm) tall should ideally weigh between approximately 55–74 kg (8st 8lbs to 11st 8lbs). Someone 5ft 4in (163cm) tall has a healthy range of about 48–65 kg (7st 7lbs to 10st 3lbs).
- Height 160cm (5ft 3in): Healthy weight 47–63 kg (7st 5lbs–9st 13lbs)
- Height 170cm (5ft 7in): Healthy weight 53–71 kg (8st 5lbs–11st 2lbs)
- Height 180cm (5ft 11in): Healthy weight 60–80 kg (9st 6lbs–12st 8lbs)
- Height 190cm (6ft 3in): Healthy weight 67–89 kg (10st 6lbs–14st)
If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds — your healthy weight range may start at a lower BMI. Try the weight converter on this page to see your ideal range in both metric and imperial measurements.
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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
A healthy weight isn't one-size-fits-all. Muscle mass matters — athletes and those with more muscle can weigh more at a healthy BMI because muscle is denser than fat. Frame size (small, medium, or large bone structure) also affects your ideal weight range, as does age: older adults naturally lose muscle, which can affect what a healthy weight looks like for them.
Gender, hormonal health, pregnancy status, and medical conditions all play a role. This is why your GP can give you personalised advice about what a healthy weight means for you specifically, rather than relying on averages alone. Health outcomes matter more than hitting a specific number.
- 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 average weight for UK adults?
The average UK adult man weighs approximately 85.7 kg (13st 7lbs) and is 175 cm tall, giving an average BMI of 27.9. The average UK adult woman weighs around 71.6 kg (11st 3lbs) at 162 cm tall, with an average BMI of 27.4. These averages are above the healthy weight range, which is why many UK adults fall into the overweight or obese category.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range?
Your healthy weight range is calculated using your height and BMI. The healthy BMI range is 18.5–24.9 for most adults. Multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by 18.5 and 24.9 to find your weight range in kg. Our free BMI calculator above does this instantly — just enter your height and weight to see your personal healthy range.
Is a healthy weight the same as ideal body weight?
Not exactly. Ideal body weight is a theoretical calculation used in medicine, but healthy weight is more practical — it's the range where you're at lower risk of weight-related health conditions. Your healthy weight range is typically wider than a single "ideal" figure, accounting for individual differences in muscle mass, bone structure, and genetics.
Does ethnicity affect what a healthy weight is for me?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean backgrounds because these groups have higher risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels. If you fit these categories, your healthy weight range may start at a BMI of 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9. Your GP can advise you on this.
What if I can't reach the healthy weight range — is that a problem?
A healthy weight is a goal, not an absolute requirement for health. If you're currently overweight, losing even 5–10% of your body weight can significantly improve your health — lower blood pressure, better blood sugar control, improved mood, and reduced joint strain. Your GP can help you set realistic, gradual goals. Use our free progress tracker to monitor improvements over time.
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.