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 for Asian People — What the NHS Recommends
BMI (body mass index) thresholds are different for people of Asian descent compared to the standard UK population. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for South Asian, Chinese, and other Asian heritage adults because these groups face higher risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower body weights. Understanding your personal BMI range is important for assessing your health risk accurately. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your BMI instantly, then refer to the NHS guidance below to see what your result means for your health.
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 for Asian Adults
The NHS recommends these BMI thresholds specifically for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage:
- Healthy weight: BMI 18.5 to 22.9 (compared to 18.5–24.9 for the general UK population)
- Overweight: BMI 23.0 to 27.4 (compared to 25.0–29.9 for general UK population)
- Obese: BMI 27.5 and above (compared to 30.0 and above for general UK population)
This means that an Asian adult with a BMI of 26, for example, would be classified as overweight according to Asian-specific thresholds, whereas they would fall in the healthy range using standard UK BMI categories. The bmi formula itself remains the same (weight in kg divided by height in metres squared), but the interpretation of results differs. Your GP may use these lower thresholds when assessing your health risk and discussing weight management options with you.
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
If your BMI falls into the overweight or obese range using Asian-specific thresholds, your GP can discuss your individual health situation and whether weight management support is appropriate for you. The NHS offers a structured weight management pathway starting with Tier 1 self-help resources and digital tools, progressing to Tier 2 behaviour change programmes, and Tier 3 specialist multidisciplinary services where prescription weight loss treatments (such as GLP-1 injections like Mounjaro or Wegovy) may be considered alongside lifestyle changes. Book an appointment with your GP to discuss your personal health goals and what support is available in your area. Use our free weight converter to check your weight in different units, and try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator if you want to explore potential outcomes with medical support.
- 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.
Why does the NHS use different BMI thresholds for Asian people?
South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults have higher health risks at lower BMI levels compared to the general UK population. Research shows these groups develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower body weights, so the NHS recommends lower thresholds to identify risk earlier and intervene sooner.
What BMI range is healthy for a South Asian adult?
According to NHS guidance, a healthy BMI for South Asian adults is 18.5 to 22.9. This is lower than the standard UK healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9. Your GP can help you understand what your personal BMI means for your health.
I'm a Chinese adult with a BMI of 25. Does this mean I'm overweight?
Yes, according to NHS Asian-specific thresholds, a BMI of 25 falls in the overweight category (23.0–27.4). However, only your GP can assess your overall health risk, considering your medical history, family background, and other factors.
Are BMI limitations the same for Asian adults as for others?
Yes. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat, and does not account for where fat is stored. These limitations apply to all groups. Your GP may also consider waist circumference and other health markers alongside your BMI.
How can I access NHS weight management support if my BMI is in the overweight range?
Contact your GP to discuss your health and weight concerns. They can refer you to NHS weight management services (Tier 2 or 3) depending on your BMI, health conditions, and local availability. Your GP will assess whether you're eligible for specialist support or medication.
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.