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 Table: Height and Weight Health Ranges
A BMI table for height and weight is one of the quickest ways to understand whether your weight falls into a healthy range for your height. The NHS uses BMI as a screening tool to assess health risk, though it's important to understand that BMI has limitations — it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, or account for where fat is stored. This guide explains how to use an NHS-aligned BMI table, what the categories mean, and when to seek support from your GP if you're concerned about your weight.
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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 What They Mean
The NHS divides BMI into five categories to help assess weight-related health risk:
- Underweight (BMI below 18.5) — may indicate nutritional concerns; discuss with your GP if persistently underweight
- Healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) — generally associated with lower health risk
- Overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9) — increased risk of weight-related conditions; lifestyle changes often recommended
- Obese Class I (BMI 30.0–34.9) — significantly increased health risk; your GP may discuss weight management options
- Obese Class II (BMI 35.0–39.9) — high health risk; specialist weight management services may be considered
- Severely obese (BMI 40.0+) — very high health risk; urgent referral to specialist weight management services recommended
For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds because these groups face higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at the same BMI levels. The healthy range for these groups is 18.5–22.9, and overweight begins at 23.0.
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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.
How to Use a BMI Height and Weight Table
To find your BMI using a height and weight table, locate your height in the left column, then find your weight along the top row — where they intersect is your approximate BMI. Alternatively, you can use the BMI formula: divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared (kg ÷ m²). For example, if you weigh 70kg and are 1.75m tall, your BMI is 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.9, which falls in the healthy range. Remember that BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or individual variations. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal BMI instantly, and discuss any concerns with your GP.
- 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's a healthy BMI according to the NHS?
According to NHS guidance, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 for most UK adults. For people of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends a healthy range of 18.5 to 22.9 because these groups have higher health risks at higher BMI levels. Your GP can advise on what's healthy for you individually.
Why does the NHS use different BMI categories for certain ethnic groups?
Research shows that people from South Asian, Black African, and Black Caribbean backgrounds develop weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels than European populations. The NHS therefore recommends lower BMI thresholds for these groups to identify risk earlier and offer preventive support sooner.
What are the main limitations of using a BMI table?
BMI tables don't distinguish between muscle and fat — athletes may have a high BMI but low body fat. BMI also ignores where fat is stored (belly fat is riskier than hip fat), doesn't account for age or bone density, and may be less accurate for elderly people, pregnant women, or very muscular individuals. Waist circumference and overall health markers matter too.
When should I contact my GP about my weight based on a BMI table?
If your BMI is consistently above 30, or if you're in the overweight category (25–29.9) with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes, it's worth discussing with your GP. They can assess your individual health picture and discuss whether weight management support would help reduce your health risks.
Can I use a BMI height and weight table if I'm pregnant or very muscular?
BMI tables are less reliable during pregnancy — your GP or midwife will monitor weight differently in pregnancy. If you're very muscular or athletic, BMI may overestimate your health risk because it can't distinguish muscle from fat. Discuss your individual situation with your GP or use waist measurement as an additional health indicator.
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.