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
Weight NHS Chart — Understanding UK Health Guidance
An NHS weight chart helps UK adults understand whether their current weight falls within a healthy range according to official NHS guidance. Rather than focusing on a single "ideal" weight, the NHS uses BMI (body mass index) categories and waist circumference measurements to assess health risk. This guide explains how NHS weight assessment works, what the charts mean, and how to use free tools to check your personal healthy weight range.
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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 Charts Work in the UK
The NHS doesn't publish a single "weight chart" in the traditional sense. Instead, NHS guidance uses BMI categories and individualised healthy weight ranges based on your height and age. The healthy weight range for an adult is defined as a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m².
- Healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9): Associated with lowest health risk for most adults
- Overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9): Increased health risks including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
- Obese Class I (BMI 30.0–34.9): Significantly increased health risks
- Obese Class II (BMI 35.0–39.9): High health risk
- Severely obese (BMI 40+): Very high health risk
Importantly, 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. Your GP can discuss your personal healthy weight based on your ethnicity, medical history, and overall health.
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.
Using NHS Guidance and Free Calculation Tools
The NHS recommends using BMI as a screening tool alongside waist circumference measurement to assess weight-related health risk. You can calculate your personal healthy weight range using our free BMI calculator on this page — simply enter your height, and it will show you the weight range that corresponds to a healthy BMI for UK adults. The NHS also advises measuring your waist: for men, a waist over 94cm (37 inches) indicates increased risk, and over 102cm (40 inches) indicates high risk. For women, over 80cm (31.5 inches) is increased risk, and over 88cm (34.5 inches) is high risk. If you're unsure about your healthy weight or have concerns, your GP can provide personalised advice based on your individual health profile.
- 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 should I aim for according to NHS guidance?
The NHS doesn't give a single target weight — instead, it recommends a healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9. Your personal healthy weight depends on your height. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your individual healthy weight range. Your GP can discuss what's realistic for you based on your health history.
Is BMI the only measure NHS uses for weight assessment?
No. The NHS uses BMI alongside waist circumference measurement. Waist measurement matters because it indicates where fat is stored, which affects health risk. BMI also has limitations — it doesn't account for muscle mass or body composition. Your GP can assess your overall health picture.
Are NHS weight categories different for people from certain ethnic backgrounds?
Yes. For South Asian, Chinese, Black African, and Black Caribbean adults, the NHS recommends lower BMI thresholds. A healthy BMI for these groups is 18.5 to 22.9 (rather than 18.5 to 24.9). This is because these populations have higher cardiovascular and diabetes risk at the same BMI as other populations. Your GP can advise you based on your ethnicity.
How do I find my healthy weight using NHS nhs guidance?
Calculate your BMI using the free BMI calculator on this page — enter your height and current weight, and it will show your healthy weight range. You can also use our weight converter to switch between kg, stone, and pounds. If you need personalised nhs health advice, your GP can discuss your target weight alongside your overall health and medical conditions.
What happens if my weight is above the NHS healthy range?
The NHS offers support through its weight management pathway. If you're overweight or obese, your GP can refer you to local weight management services (tier 1–3) or discuss weight loss approaches. Even modest weight loss of 5–10% can improve health outcomes. Prescription weight loss options are available through NHS specialist services in some areas for eligible adults.
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.