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
BMI Chart for Women — NHS Categories & Healthy Weight Ranges
A BMI chart for women shows where your weight falls using the NHS BMI formula and categories. The healthy bmi range for adult women is the same as for men: 18.5 to 24.9 according to NHS guidelines. However, your individual healthy weight depends on your height, and the NHS also recognises that ethnicity affects health risk at different BMI levels. This guide explains the bmi range uk uses, what each category means, and when to seek support from your GP.
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.
NHS BMI Categories and What They Mean for Women
The NHS uses five BMI categories for adults:
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5 — may indicate being too thin for good health
- Healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9 — associated with lowest health risk for most women
- Overweight: BMI 25.0–29.9 — increased risk of weight-related conditions
- Obese (Class I): BMI 30.0–34.9 — significantly increased health risk
- Obese (Class II): BMI 35.0–39.9 — higher health complications
- Severely obese (Class III): BMI 40.0+ — highest risk category
Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal BMI instantly. Remember that BMI is a screening tool with limitations — it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, and doesn't account for where fat is stored around your body.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
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.
NHS Weight Management Support and When to Seek Help
The NHS offers a structured weight management pathway through your GP. If you're concerned about your weight or health, your GP can discuss your individual circumstances and may refer you to specialist services. The NHS recommends a healthy weight loss rate of 0.5–1 kg per week for sustainable results. Your GP can also discuss whether prescription weight loss support might be appropriate, depending on your BMI, health conditions, and individual needs. You can also track your progress using our free progress tracker.
- 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 BMI formula used by the NHS?
The NHS BMI formula is weight (kg) divided by height (metres) squared. For example, a woman who weighs 70kg and is 1.65m tall has a BMI of 70 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65) = 25.7, which falls in the overweight category. Our BMI calculator does this automatically for you.
Is the BMI chart the same for women and men?
Yes, the NHS uses the same BMI categories for women and men. However, women typically have a higher natural body fat percentage than men. BMI limitations include not distinguishing muscle from fat, so it's one tool among several for assessing health.
What if I'm of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage?
The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for these groups due to higher health risk at lower BMI levels. A healthy weight range for South Asian women is BMI 18.5–22.9, and overweight starts at BMI 23.0. Ask your GP about ethnicity-specific guidance.
When should I see my GP about my weight?
If you're in the overweight (BMI 25–29.9) or obese category (BMI 30+), or if you have weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, it's worth discussing with your GP. They can assess your individual health and discuss management options.
Can I use BMI to set my ideal weight?
BMI gives a healthy range but not an exact target. For a woman 1.65m tall, a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9) means a weight range of roughly 50–67kg. However, ideal weight also depends on muscle mass, frame size, and personal health. Your GP can help set a personalised goal.
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.