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 Does a BMI of 27 Mean for Women?
A BMI of 27 falls into the overweight category according to NHS guidelines. For women, this BMI indicates you're above the healthy weight range of 18.5 to 24.9, but below obesity thresholds. However, BMI is just one health indicator — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where fat is stored. Your individual health depends on many factors including age, fitness level, medical history, and family genetics. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI and explore what it means for your health context.
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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 BMI Categories and What Your BMI 27 Means
According to NHS guidelines, a BMI of 27 places you in the overweight category. The NHS BMI range classification for UK adults is:
- Below 18.5 = Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9 = Healthy weight
- 25.0 to 29.9 = Overweight (your BMI falls here)
- 30.0 to 34.9 = Obese (Class I)
- 35.0+ = Obese (Class II) or Severely obese (Class III)
At BMI 27, you're in the overweight threshold range, which means your health risks are elevated compared to the healthy weight range, but you're not yet in the obese category. The NHS recommends that women in the overweight category should consider lifestyle changes to reduce health risks. If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS uses slightly lower thresholds — your overweight category starts at BMI 23.0. You can also use the weight converter on this page to see how your current weight compares across kg, stone, and pounds.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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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.
NHS Weight Management Pathway and Next Steps
If you have a BMI of 27 and want to improve your health, the NHS weight management pathway starts with self-help resources. This includes free digital tools like our BMI calculator and progress tracker, community weight management programmes, and advice from your GP. Your GP can assess your individual risk factors — such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, or family history of disease — to determine whether you need further support. If you have weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea, your GP may refer you to specialist tier 3 weight management services. Even a 5% reduction in body weight can improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, and reduce joint stress.
- 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.
Is a BMI of 27 considered overweight?
Yes, a BMI of 27 is in the overweight category according to NHS guidelines. The healthy weight range is 18.5 to 24.9, and overweight starts at 25.0. At BMI 27, your health risks are elevated, but lifestyle changes can help.
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 27?
A BMI of 27 increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers compared to healthy weight ranges. Individual risk also depends on age, fitness, family history, and where fat is stored on your body.
How much weight would I need to lose to reach a healthy BMI?
To reach the healthy BMI range (24.9), the amount depends on your height. Use our free BMI calculator to see your target weight range. Generally, losing 5–10% of body weight has significant health benefits even if you don't reach the lower range.
Should I see my GP about my BMI of 27?
Yes, it's worth discussing with your GP, especially if you have other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of heart disease, or if you've gained weight recently. Your GP can assess your individual health and recommend appropriate support.
What's the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?
BMI is a simple calculation based on height and weight. Body fat percentage measures actual fat mass and is more accurate for athletic individuals with high muscle mass. However, BMI limitations mean it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat — this is why it's just one health indicator.
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.