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 Your Height?
Your healthy weight depends on your height, age, sex, and muscle mass — there's no single "ideal" number. The NHS uses BMI (body mass index) to define healthy weight ranges, which vary significantly by height. For example, a healthy weight for someone 5ft 8in (173cm) is roughly 55–75kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 10lbs). This guide explains how height affects healthy weight and provides tools to find your personal healthy weight range using evidence-based UK health guidance.
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.
How Height Affects Your Healthy Weight Range
Height is the key factor in calculating a healthy weight range. The NHS defines healthy weight using BMI (body mass index), which divides your weight by your height squared. This mathematical relationship means taller people naturally have higher healthy weight ranges than shorter people — it's not about being "heavier", it's about body composition.
For a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, the weight range doubles as height increases. Someone 5ft (152cm) tall has a healthy weight range of around 45–60kg (7st to 9st 6lbs), while someone 6ft (183cm) tall ranges from 55–83kg (8st 8lbs to 13st 1lb). Our free BMI calculator above shows your personal healthy range instantly — just enter your height and current weight. Use our weight converter to switch between stone, pounds, and kilograms if needed.
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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.
Height, Age, Sex, and Individual Health Factors
Healthy weight isn't purely mathematical — it also depends on age, sex, muscle mass, and health conditions. Men typically have more muscle than women at the same height, so a higher healthy weight is normal. As we age, muscle naturally decreases, which can shift what's healthy. Additionally, certain ethnic groups (South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean communities) face greater health risks at lower BMI levels, so the NHS recommends adjusted thresholds.
Your GP can assess your individual health context and confirm whether your weight is healthy for you personally. Weight management services are available through the NHS if you need support. Try our free weight converter and BMI calculator to establish your baseline, then discuss your results with your healthcare provider.
- 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 weight should I be for my height?
There's no single "should" — the NHS defines a healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. For 5ft 8in, that's roughly 55–75kg (8st 9lbs to 11st 10lbs). Use our BMI calculator to find your personal healthy range. Your GP can discuss what's healthy for your individual health, age, and circumstances.
Is there a formula to calculate healthy weight from height?
Yes. The NHS healthy weight formula: lower range = 18.5 × height(m)², upper range = 24.9 × height(m)². For 1.73m tall: lower = 55.4kg, upper = 74.5kg. Our BMI calculator does this instantly — enter your height and weight above.
How do I know if my weight is healthy for my height?
Calculate your BMI using our free tool. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is classed as healthy by the NHS. However, BMI has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass or where fat is stored. Your GP can give personalised advice about what's healthy for you specifically.
Does ethnicity affect healthy weight guidelines?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage — a healthy range starts at 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9. This reflects higher health risks at lower BMI in these populations. Discuss your individual thresholds with your GP.
What if I'm outside the healthy weight range for my height?
If your BMI is outside 18.5–24.9, your GP can discuss whether weight management would benefit your health. Options range from lifestyle changes (diet, physical activity) to structured NHS weight management programmes. Use our weight converter and BMI calculator to establish your current position, then book a GP appointment to discuss next steps.
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.