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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Why BMI in Asian Adults Uses Lower Thresholds
BMI (body mass index) is calculated the same way for all adults using the formula weight in kg divided by height in metres squared, but the NHS recommends significantly lower BMI thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage. This is because research shows these populations face higher health risks—including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease—at lower BMI levels than other groups. Understanding your ethnicity-specific BMI range is crucial for accurately assessing your health and determining eligibility for weight management support in the UK.
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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 for Asian, Chinese, and Black Heritage Adults
The NHS BMI formula remains unchanged: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². However, the BMI categories UK differ for people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage:
- Healthy BMI: 18.5 to 22.9 (compared to 18.5–24.9 for other groups)
- Overweight BMI threshold: 23.0 to 27.4 (compared to 25.0–29.9)
- Obese: 27.5 and above (compared to 30.0 and above)
This means an Asian adult with a BMI of 25 would be classified as overweight and at increased health risk, whereas someone from another ethnic background at the same BMI would be in the healthy range. The NHS recognises that these groups have higher BMI limitations in terms of health outcomes—meaning the same BMI carries greater risk. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI and see which category applies to you based on your ethnic background.
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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.
Why Are Lower BMI Thresholds Used for Asian Heritage Adults?
Research consistently shows that people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage develop serious health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels than other populations. Genetic factors, body composition differences, and increased visceral fat (fat around organs) contribute to this elevated risk. The healthy BMI guidance of 22.9 instead of 24.9 reflects this biological reality. Additionally, waist circumference is especially important for these groups—storing excess weight around the abdomen carries greater cardiovascular risk. Your GP can provide personalised advice about your individual health risk based on your BMI, waist measurement, and family history. The progress tracker on this page can help you monitor changes over time.
- 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 BMI counts as overweight for an Asian adult in the UK?
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, a BMI of 23.0 to 27.4 is classified as overweight by the NHS. This is lower than the 25.0–29.9 range used for other populations, reflecting higher health risk at lower BMI levels in these groups.
Am I eligible for weight management treatment at a lower BMI if I'm Asian?
Yes. Prescription weight loss medications like Mounjaro or Wegovy may be available through NHS services or private prescribing if you have a BMI of 27.5 or above (or 23.0 with weight-related health conditions). Eligibility thresholds are lower for Asian heritage adults because health risks begin at lower BMI levels.
Does the BMI calculator work differently for Asian adults?
No—the BMI formula is identical for all adults. However, the interpretation of your result differs. Once you calculate your BMI using our free BMI calculator, check the NHS category specific to your ethnic background to understand your health risk accurately.
Should I use waist measurement as well as BMI?
Yes, absolutely. Waist circumference is particularly important for Asian heritage adults. An increased waist measurement (over 80cm for women, over 94cm for men) indicates higher cardiovascular risk even at a healthy BMI, and should be discussed with your GP.
Where can I get personalised BMI advice as an Asian adult in the UK?
Your GP can assess your individual health risk based on your BMI, waist circumference, family history, and any existing health conditions. They can refer you to NHS weight management services (tier 3) if appropriate, or discuss private options like GLP-1 medications following a clinical assessment.
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.