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
Health Guide for Women Who Am I Overweight
Being overweight as a woman in the UK affects millions of adults, and understanding the health context is the first step toward making informed decisions about your health. Whether you're wondering if am i overweight or seeking to understand what overweight bmi means for your body, this guide provides evidence-based information aligned with NHS guidance. Your weight is just one health marker—what matters is knowing where you stand and what support is available to you.
10,000+ calculations today · NHS-aligned thresholds · 100% free
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.
Health Risks Linked to Excess Weight in Women
Carrying excess weight increases the risk of several health conditions, though individual risk varies based on genetics, fitness level, and where fat is stored. According to NHS guidelines, women with a BMI above the healthy weight range (18.5–24.9) face increased risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes — overweight and obesity significantly increase insulin resistance and diabetes risk
- Heart disease and stroke — excess weight raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Certain cancers — 13 types of cancer are linked to excess weight, including breast and endometrial cancer
- Osteoarthritis — extra weight puts pressure on joints, particularly knees and hips
- Sleep apnoea — disrupted breathing during sleep, common in obese individuals
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — fat accumulation in the liver affects function
Even a modest 5–10% weight reduction can meaningfully improve these risk factors. Use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal healthy weight range based on your height and current weight.
Clinically BackedWeight Loss
No appointments. No waiting rooms. Just care — from a UK-regulated online pharmacy.
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.
Support & Treatment Options Available in the UK
The NHS offers structured support through its weight management pathway. Your GP can refer you to tier 3 specialist weight management services, which provide behaviour change programmes, dietitian support, and where appropriate, prescription weight loss options. For women who meet eligibility criteria—generally a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with weight-related health conditions—prescription medications including GLP-1 injections may be considered. Private online prescribing services are also available without NHS referral. Whatever route you choose, sustainable weight loss combines dietary changes, increased physical activity, and behavioural support. Try our GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes if medication eligibility applies to you.
- 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 is considered overweight for women in the UK?
The NHS defines overweight as a BMI of 25.0–29.9 for most women. However, for women of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the overweight bmi threshold is lower: 23.0–27.4. Your GP can help interpret your BMI and what it means for your individual health. Use the BMI calculator on this page to check your personal BMI instantly.
What is the nhs overweight threshold and how do I know if I'm overweight?
The NHS overweight threshold is a BMI of 25 or above. You can check this using our weight converter to calculate your BMI from your current weight and height. The calculator accounts for UK measurements (stone, lbs, kg) and shows you exactly where you fall on the NHS scale.
Am I at health risk if I'm overweight but feel fine?
Many health risks associated with excess weight develop gradually over time without obvious symptoms. High blood pressure, early-stage type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease often cause no immediate discomfort. Regular health checks with your GP help identify risks early. Even feeling well, maintaining a healthy weight range reduces long-term disease risk significantly.
What support is available through the NHS for weight management?
The NHS offers free weight management support through your GP, including referral to specialist services, dietitian advice, behaviour change programmes, and where eligible, prescription weight loss medications. Availability varies by region. Contact your GP to discuss what's available in your area and whether you'd benefit from specialist support.
Are there prescription weight loss options for women in the UK?
Yes. Women who meet eligibility criteria may access prescription weight loss injections such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or Wegovy (semaglutide) through NHS specialist services or private prescribing. These are prescription-only and require clinical assessment. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential outcomes with these medications.
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.