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 in Stones and Pounds — NHS Health Guide
Understanding your BMI in UK measurements is straightforward using our free BMI calculator and reference chart. The NHS uses a standard BMI formula to categorise healthy weight, overweight, and obesity across all UK adults. Your BMI—calculated from your height and weight in stones and pounds—helps identify whether your current weight falls within a healthy range and whether your GP might recommend lifestyle changes or further health checks. This guide explains the NHS BMI categories, how to use the bmi formula, and what each range means for your health.
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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 Healthy Weight Ranges
According to NHS guidance, BMI categories for UK adults are:
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5
- Healthy weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25.0 to 29.9
- Obese (Class I): BMI 30.0 to 34.9
- Obese (Class II): BMI 35.0 to 39.9
- Severely obese (Class III): BMI 40.0 and above
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds: healthy weight is 18.5 to 22.9, and overweight begins at 23.0, because these communities face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. The bmi range uk for general population uses the standard thresholds above, and you can calculate your personal BMI instantly using our free BMI calculator on this page.
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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.
What the NHS Says About BMI Limitations and Weight Management
The NHS acknowledges that BMI has limitations—it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or very muscular individuals may have a higher BMI without excess body fat. The NHS also recommends checking waist circumference alongside BMI: men over 94cm (37 inches) have increased risk, and women over 80cm (31.5 inches) have increased risk. If your BMI falls in the overweight or obese threshold, your GP may discuss lifestyle changes including diet and physical activity, or in some cases refer you to a specialist weight management service. The NHS Weight Loss Plan and our free progress tracker can help you monitor changes over time. Always speak with your GP about what your personal BMI means for your health.
- 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 BMI formula used by the NHS?
The NHS uses the standard formula: BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². In imperial: BMI = (weight in lbs × 703) ÷ height (inches)². To convert your weight to metric before calculating, use our free weight converter above. For example, 11 stone 0 pounds equals approximately 70kg, which at 1.73m height gives a BMI of about 23.4 (healthy weight range).
Am I overweight if my BMI is 27?
According to NHS categories, a BMI of 27 falls in the overweight range (25.0 to 29.9). However, if you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS considers this in the obese threshold. Your GP can assess your individual health profile, waist measurement, and other risk factors. Use our BMI calculator to check your exact category instantly.
What should I do if my BMI shows I'm in the obese category?
If your BMI is 30 or above, your GP may suggest lifestyle changes including a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Many people find it helpful to track progress with a free tool like our progress tracker. Your GP may also refer you to a specialist weight management service (available through the NHS), which can offer behaviour change programmes, and in some cases, prescription weight loss support.
Does a higher BMI always mean I'm unhealthy?
BMI is a screening tool but not perfect. It doesn't account for muscle mass, where fat is stored, or individual health markers. The NHS recommends also checking waist circumference and discussing your personal health history with your GP. Waist-to-height ratio is another useful indicator—the NHS considers a ratio below 0.5 healthy for all adults.
How can I find a healthy weight for my height in stones and pounds?
For a healthy BMI of 18.5 to 24.9, calculate the range using your height. At 5 feet 8 inches, for example, healthy weight is approximately 8 stone 10 pounds to 11 stone 10 pounds. Our free BMI calculator and weight converter can show you exact figures instantly based on your measurements. ```
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.