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
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BMI Height Weight Table — What NHS Recommends
Understanding your BMI in relation to your height and weight is essential for assessing your health status according to NHS guidelines. This BMI height weight table provides quick reference points using the standard BMI formula and shows you where you fall within NHS-recognised healthy weight ranges. Whether you're checking if you're overweight or simply want to understand your BMI range, this guide aligns with current NHS recommendations and includes important context about limitations and individual variation.
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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
The NHS uses standardised BMI categories to assess weight status in UK adults. Your healthy BMI range falls between 18.5 and 24.9, whilst 25.0–29.9 is classified as overweight, and 30.0 and above is classified as obese. For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds: a healthy BMI range of 18.5–22.9 and overweight starting at 23.0, reflecting higher health risks at lower BMI levels for these populations.
To find your healthy weight range for your height, use this formula: multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by 18.5 (lower bound) and 24.9 (upper bound). For example, at 1.73m (5ft 8in), a healthy weight range is approximately 55–74 kg (8st 10lbs–11st 10lbs). You can instantly calculate your personal BMI using our free BMI calculator above to see exactly where you fall within these NHS categories.
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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 When to Seek Help
The NHS recommends seeking support from your GP if you're concerned about your weight or BMI. Your GP can assess your individual health risk, consider weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, and refer you to NHS specialist weight management services if appropriate. These services operate at different tiers: tier 1 includes self-help and community programmes, tier 2 involves primary care behaviour change support, and tier 3 offers specialist multidisciplinary services where prescription weight loss medication may be considered.
Access to specialist services varies by region and waiting times can be significant. NICE guidance recommends offering weight management support to adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions. Our free weight converter can help you determine your weight in different units to discuss with your GP confidently.
- 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 does a BMI of 25 mean according to the NHS?
A BMI of 25.0–29.9 is classified as overweight by the NHS. This means your weight poses a higher health risk than the healthy weight range of 18.5–24.9. Your GP may recommend lifestyle changes including reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. If you have weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or prediabetes, your GP may discuss additional support options.
How do I calculate my healthy weight range using height and BMI?
Multiply your height in metres by itself, then multiply by 18.5 for the lower bound and 24.9 for the upper bound. For 1.70m: 1.70 × 1.70 = 2.89; 2.89 × 18.5 = 53.5 kg (lower); 2.89 × 24.9 = 71.9 kg (upper). Your healthy range is approximately 53.5–71.9 kg. Use our BMI calculator above for instant personalised results.
Why does the NHS recommend different BMI thresholds for some ethnic groups?
Research shows that South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean populations have higher risks of type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels compared to white European populations. The NHS therefore recommends lower thresholds for these groups: healthy BMI 18.5–22.9 rather than 18.5–24.9, to ensure earlier intervention and better health protection.
What are the limitations of using BMI as a health measure?
BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes with high muscle mass may have an elevated BMI but low health risk. BMI also ignores where fat is stored — waist circumference matters for cardiovascular risk. BMI is less accurate in elderly people due to natural muscle loss and is not appropriate for children, who use age-specific centile charts instead.
When should I contact my GP about my weight or BMI?
Contact your GP if you're concerned about weight gain, if your BMI is 30 or above, if you have a BMI of 25–29.9 alongside weight-related health conditions, or if you have experienced rapid unexplained weight changes. Your GP can assess your individual risk, discuss lifestyle support, and refer to specialist services if appropriate.
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.