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
What Does a BMI of 26 Mean According to NHS Guidance?
A BMI of 26 places you in the overweight category according to NHS guidelines. This means your weight is higher than the healthy range for your height, though not yet in the obese category. The good news is that even modest weight loss can improve your health significantly. Use our free BMI calculator above to confirm your personal BMI, and understand what the NHS recommends as your next steps.
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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 Where You Fit
According to NHS guidance, BMI is categorised into clear ranges:
- Healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25.0–29.9 (where a BMI of 26 falls)
- Obese (Class I): BMI 30.0–34.9
- Obese (Class II): BMI 35.0–39.9
- Severely obese: BMI 40.0 and above
At BMI 26, you are in the early overweight range. However, BMI has limitations — it does not distinguish between muscle and fat, and does not account for where fat is stored. Your waist circumference is also important: the NHS recommends men keep waist measurement below 94cm (37 inches) and women below 80cm (31.5 inches) to reduce health risks.
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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 Next Steps
The NHS offers a structured weight management pathway depending on your BMI and health conditions. At BMI 26 without weight-related conditions, the first step is typically Tier 1 support: using the free NHS Weight Loss Plan, making lifestyle changes, and increasing physical activity. Your GP can provide personalised advice and monitor your progress. If you have weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea), you may be referred to Tier 2 or Tier 3 specialist services, where prescription weight loss medication may be considered. Our free weight converter and BMI calculator can help you track your current metrics and set realistic health goals.
- 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.
Is a BMI of 26 considered obese?
No. A BMI of 26 is in the overweight category, not obese. Obesity begins at BMI 30. However, being overweight still increases health risks, and weight loss can provide significant health benefits even at this stage.
What health risks come with a BMI of 26?
At BMI 26, risks include increased blood pressure, higher blood sugar levels, and elevated cholesterol. However, these risks are lower than at higher BMI levels. Losing even 5–10% of body weight can meaningfully reduce these risks.
How much weight would I need to lose to reach a healthy BMI?
This depends on your height. Use our BMI calculator above to calculate your target healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9). For most people at BMI 26, losing 5–10kg brings significant health improvements. Your GP can help you set realistic goals.
What does the NHS recommend for someone with a BMI of 26?
The NHS typically recommends lifestyle changes first: eating a balanced diet, reducing calorie intake gradually, and increasing physical activity to at least 150 minutes per week. Your GP can refer you to NHS weight management services or digital programmes if needed.
Can I use the BMI formula to calculate my healthy weight range?
Yes. The healthy weight range is calculated using the formula: lower bound = 18.5 × height (m)², upper bound = 24.9 × height (m)². Our free BMI calculator does this automatically, showing you your personal healthy weight range in kg, stone, and pounds.
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.