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 UK Health Guide
A BMI chart for women shows where your weight falls on the NHS scale and what it means for your health. Unlike men, women's BMI ranges are assessed using the same formula, but health risks can differ. Understanding your BMI is the first step towards managing your weight effectively. Our free BMI calculator makes it easy to find your personal BMI instantly, and our weight converter helps you work with measurements in stone, pounds, or kilograms—whatever feels most natural.
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 Healthy Weight Ranges for Women
The NHS BMI categories for women are the same as for men, but applied using these ranges:
- Under 18.5: Underweight — may need to gain weight for health
- 18.5 to 24.9: Healthy weight — associated with lowest health risk
- 25.0 to 29.9: Overweight — increased risk of health conditions
- 30.0 to 34.9: Obese (Class I) — significant health risk
- 35.0 to 39.9: Obese (Class II) — higher health risk
- 40.0 and above: Severely obese (Class III) — very high health risk
For women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds. Healthy weight for these groups is 18.5–22.9, overweight starts at 23.0, and obese starts at 27.5—because these populations face greater cardiovascular and diabetes risk at lower weights.
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 Support and When to Seek Help
If your BMI falls outside the healthy range, the NHS offers support through a structured weight management pathway. Start by speaking to your GP, who can discuss your health, check for related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, and refer you to local weight management services if appropriate. The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week for sustainable results. Even a modest 5–10% reduction in body weight can significantly improve blood pressure, blood sugar control, and overall health. Our free progress tracker helps you log and monitor your weight loss journey over time.
Remember, BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations—it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or very muscular individuals may have a high BMI despite low body fat. Waist circumference is also important: the NHS advises that women with a waist measurement over 80 cm (31.5 inches) have increased health risk, and over 88 cm (34.5 inches) have high risk. Your GP can give you personalised guidance on what your BMI and measurements mean for your individual health and recommend the best next steps for you.
- 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 healthy BMI range for women according to the NHS?
The NHS defines healthy BMI for women as 18.5 to 24.9. However, for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the recommended healthy range is lower: 18.5 to 22.9. Your GP can advise what's healthy for you personally.
Is BMI the only thing I need to know about my weight and health?
No. BMI is a useful starting point, but the NHS also looks at waist circumference, family history, and other health conditions. A woman with a waist over 80 cm has increased risk even at a healthy BMI. Your GP can assess your complete health picture.
How quickly should women lose weight according to NHS guidance?
The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg per week for sustainable, healthy loss. Faster weight loss can lead to muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies. Aim for gradual, steady progress supported by diet and physical activity changes.
What should I do if my BMI is outside the healthy range?
Start by speaking to your GP. They can assess your overall health, check for related conditions, and refer you to NHS weight management services if needed. These services offer behaviour support, dietary advice, and access to treatment options when appropriate.
Can I use a BMI chart to calculate my weight loss targets?
Yes. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your current BMI, then calculate your target healthy weight range. For example, at 5ft 6in, a healthy BMI is achieved between roughly 52–70 kg. Your GP can help set realistic, personalised targets based on your health.
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.