Healthy Weight Range by Height UK — NHS Chart Explained
The healthy weight range by height is the band of body weights that the NHS considers medically appropriate for a given adult height. It is derived directly from the NHS healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9: since BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m²), every height produces a unique weight range. This is why ideal weight tables and charts exist — to convert the abstract BMI range into practical weight targets you can relate to.
For example, at 163 cm, the NHS healthy weight range is approximately 49.2–66.2 kg (7st 10lb – 10st 6lb). At 170 cm, it becomes 53.5–72.0 kg. At 180 cm, it is 59.9–80.6 kg. Any weight within these bands is medically appropriate — there is no single "best" weight within the healthy range. For a personalised ideal weight target, use our ideal weight calculator UK which adds sex-specific Hamwi/Devine formula refinement.
NHS Healthy Weight Formula: Healthy weight range = BMI 18.5 × h(m)² to BMI 24.9 × h(m)²
Example for 163 cm: 18.5 × (1.63)² = 49.2 kg minimum · 24.9 × (1.63)² = 66.2 kg maximum
Ideal midpoint (BMI 21.7): 21.7 × (1.63)² = 57.6 kg
Complete NHS Healthy Weight Chart UK — 150 to 200 cm
The table below shows the NHS healthy weight range by height for every common UK adult height from 150 cm to 200 cm, in both kilograms and stones and pounds. The ideal midpoint is based on BMI 21.7 — the centre of the NHS healthy range:
| Height (cm) | Height (ft/in) |
Min Healthy (kg) | Ideal Mid (kg) | Max Healthy (kg) |
Min (st/lb) | Max (st/lb) |
*All values based on NHS BMI 18.5–24.9 standard. The ideal midpoint uses BMI 21.7. South Asian adults should use a lower maximum: multiply (1.63)² by 23 rather than 24.9 for the healthy upper limit. Values rounded to nearest 0.1 kg.
Ideal Weight for Common UK Heights — Quick Reference
These are the most searched healthy weight queries for UK adults:
- Ideal weight for 5'2 female in stones (NHS): 7st 3lb – 9st 10lb (45.9–61.8 kg). Ideal midpoint: 8st 7lb (~53.8 kg)
- Ideal weight for 160 cm: 47.4–63.7 kg (7st 7lb – 10st 0lb). Ideal midpoint: 55.5 kg (8st 11lb)
- Ideal weight for 163 cm: 49.2–66.2 kg (7st 10lb – 10st 6lb). Ideal midpoint: 57.6 kg (9st 1lb)
- Ideal weight for 164 cm: 49.8–67.0 kg (7st 12lb – 10st 8lb). Ideal midpoint: 58.2 kg (9st 2lb)
- Ideal weight for 165 cm: 50.4–67.8 kg (7st 13lb – 10st 9lb). Ideal midpoint: 59.0 kg (9st 4lb)
- Ideal weight for 170 cm: 53.5–72.0 kg (8st 6lb – 11st 5lb). Ideal midpoint: 62.7 kg (9st 13lb)
- Ideal weight for 175 cm: 56.7–76.4 kg (8st 13lb – 12st 0lb). Ideal midpoint: 66.5 kg (10st 7lb)
- Ideal weight for 180 cm: 59.9–80.6 kg (9st 6lb – 12st 9lb). Ideal midpoint: 70.3 kg (11st 1lb)
📋 Key Facts — Healthy Weight Range by Height UK
- ✅NHS healthy BMI: 18.5–24.9 for most UK adults aged 18–64
- 🎯Ideal midpoint BMI: 21.7 used as central reference point
- 🌍South Asian adults: NHS healthy upper limit is BMI 23, not 24.9
- 👴Adults 65+: Some NHS guidance allows up to BMI 27 for older adults
- ⚖️Any weight in the range is healthy — no single "best" number
- 💪Muscular adults: May weigh more within range due to lean muscle mass
Weight Conversions UK — Stones, Pounds, and kg Reference
Many UK adults still think about body weight in stones and pounds rather than kilograms. This section covers the most commonly searched weight conversions alongside their NHS BMI implications:
100.1 kg in Stones and Pounds
100.1 kg = approximately 15 stone 11 lb (exact: 15st 10.5lb). At 100.1 kg, a person's BMI depends on height:
- At 170 cm: BMI = 100.1 ÷ (1.70²) = 34.6 — Obese Class I
- At 180 cm: BMI = 100.1 ÷ (1.80²) = 30.9 — Obese Class I
- At 190 cm: BMI = 100.1 ÷ (1.90²) = 27.7 — Overweight
For a 170 cm adult, the NHS healthy weight range is 53.5–72.0 kg — meaning 100.1 kg is approximately 28 kg above the healthy maximum. A gradual weight loss target of 0.5–1 kg/week using our NHS weight loss calculator would take 28–56 weeks to reach the top of the healthy range.
67.8 kg in Stones and Pounds
67.8 kg = approximately 10 stone 10 lb (exact: 10st 9.5lb). Whether 67.8 kg is in the healthy range depends on height:
- At 160 cm: BMI = 67.8 ÷ (1.60²) = 26.5 — Overweight (just above healthy maximum of 63.7 kg)
- At 165 cm: BMI = 67.8 ÷ (1.65²) = 24.9 — Top of NHS healthy range ✅
- At 170 cm: BMI = 67.8 ÷ (1.70²) = 23.5 — Within healthy range ✅
- At 175 cm: BMI = 67.8 ÷ (1.75²) = 22.1 — Near ideal midpoint ✅
How to Convert kg to Stones and Pounds
To convert kilograms to stones and pounds:
- Total pounds = kg × 2.20462
- Stones = total pounds ÷ 14 (whole number part)
- Remaining pounds = total pounds − (stones × 14)
For example: 70 kg × 2.20462 = 154.3 lb ÷ 14 = 11.02 stone = 11 stone 0 lb
Healthy Weight by Age — Does It Change?
The NHS uses the same BMI thresholds (18.5–24.9) for adults aged 18–64. The weight for age question becomes more nuanced for adults over 65 and for children:
- Adults 65+: Some NHS and NICE guidance suggests a slightly higher BMI (up to 27) may be appropriate as a reserve against illness and frailty. Discuss with your GP.
- Adults 18–64: Same healthy weight range applies regardless of age within this bracket
- Children under 18: Adult BMI thresholds do not apply — age and sex-specific centile charts are used. See our child BMI calculator NHS
⚠️ Important: BMI-based healthy weight ranges work well for most adults but have limitations for very muscular individuals (BMI overestimates fatness), older adults (BMI underestimates metabolic risk at lower weights), and pregnant women (standard ranges do not apply). Always use waist circumference alongside BMI for a more complete health picture.
Ideal Weight for 5'2 Female in Stones — NHS Guide
This is one of the most searched weight queries in the UK. Here is the complete answer:
5'2" = 157.5 cm. The NHS healthy weight range for a 5'2" (157.5 cm) female:
- Minimum healthy weight: 45.9 kg = 7 stone 3 lb (BMI 18.5)
- Ideal midpoint: 53.8 kg = 8 stone 7 lb (BMI 21.7)
- Maximum healthy weight: 61.8 kg = 9 stone 10 lb (BMI 24.9)
For South Asian women at 5'2", the NHS recommends a lower upper healthy limit of approximately 57.1 kg (9 stone 0 lb), corresponding to BMI 23. Use our ideal weight calculator UK for a full personalised result including sex-specific Hamwi and Devine formula estimates.
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This healthy weight range by height calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Healthy weight ranges are based on NHS BMI 18.5–24.9 thresholds and may not be appropriate for all individuals including pregnant women, very muscular adults, older adults over 65, and those with eating disorders. BMI Calculator NHS is not affiliated with NHS England, NICE, or any government body. Always consult your GP before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regime. See our
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