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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NHS Weight Table — UK Healthy Weight Guidance
An NHS weight table shows where your weight sits in relation to your height and helps determine whether you're in a healthy range according to NHS guidance. The NHS uses BMI (Body Mass Index) as the primary screening tool to categorise weight for UK adults. Understanding where your weight falls on an NHS weight table is the first step towards informed health decisions — whether that's maintaining your current weight, losing weight, or discussing your health with your GP. This guide explains how NHS weight tables work, what the categories mean, and how to use them.
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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.
How NHS Weight Tables and BMI Categories Work
The NHS weight table is based on BMI, which is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. This gives a single number that helps healthcare professionals assess whether your weight is associated with increased health risks.
NHS BMI categories for adults are:
- Below 18.5 — Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9 — Healthy weight
- 25.0 to 29.9 — Overweight
- 30.0 to 34.9 — Obese (Class I)
- 35.0 to 39.9 — Obese (Class II)
- 40.0 and above — Severely obese (Class III)
However, the NHS recognises that BMI has limitations — it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat, so very muscular individuals may have a high BMI despite low body fat. The NHS also recommends checking your waist circumference, as where fat is stored matters for health risk: men over 94cm and women over 80cm have increased risk.
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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.
Ethnicity-Adjusted Weight Guidance and NHS Resources
An important NHS update: adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage face higher health risks at lower BMI levels. The NHS recommends lower thresholds for these groups — a healthy weight range starts at BMI 18.5 but overweight begins at 23.0 instead of 25.0. This reflects evidence that these populations develop type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease at lower weights.
Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal BMI instantly, or try our weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and pounds. Your GP can provide personalised NHS health advice based on your individual circumstances, medical history, and weight management 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.
What weight range is considered healthy according to NHS guidance?
The NHS healthy weight range varies by height. For an adult 1.73m tall (5ft 8in), a healthy weight is approximately 55–74kg (8st 10lbs to 11st 8lbs). Use our free BMI calculator above to find your personal healthy weight range based on your exact height and current weight.
Do NHS weight tables apply differently to different ethnic groups?
Yes. The NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds for adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean heritage. For these groups, overweight begins at BMI 23.0 (not 25.0) and obesity at BMI 27.5. This reflects higher health risks at lower weights in these populations.
What should I do if my weight falls outside the healthy range on an NHS weight table?
The first step is to discuss your weight with your GP, who can assess your individual health, any underlying conditions, and appropriate next steps. The NHS offers weight management support through tiered services — your GP can refer you to local programmes or specialist services if appropriate.
Is BMI the only measure the NHS uses for weight assessment?
No. The NHS also considers waist circumference, overall health, medical history, and comorbidities. BMI is a useful screening tool but has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass or where fat is stored. Your GP will assess your individual health holistically.
Where can I find official NHS weight guidance and resources?
The NHS website offers weight management guidance, the NHS Healthy Weight Calculator, and information about local weight management services. Your GP can also provide personalised guidance and refer you to evidence-based weight management programmes available in your area.
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.