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
What Does a BMI of 22 Mean?
A body mass index (BMI) of 22 falls squarely in the healthy weight range according to NHS guidelines. This means your weight relative to your height suggests a low health risk from weight-related conditions. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared. It's a useful screening tool, though it doesn't account for muscle mass or body composition differences between individuals. Use our free BMI calculator above to find your own BMI and see where you fall on the NHS categories.
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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.
How to Interpret a BMI of 22 Result
A BMI of 22 places you firmly within the healthy weight range of 18.5 to 24.9, according to NHS guidelines. This suggests your weight is appropriate for your height and carries lower risk of obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
However, BMI has important limitations. It doesn't distinguish between lean body mass (muscle) and fat tissue, so an athlete with significant muscle might have a high BMI but excellent health. BMI also doesn't show body fat distribution — where fat is stored matters for health risk. Someone with a BMI of 22 and excess abdominal fat faces different risks than someone with the same BMI and fat distributed elsewhere.
- For men, a healthy waist circumference is under 94cm (37 inches)
- For women, a healthy waist circumference is under 80cm (31.5 inches)
- These measurements complement your BMI result
If you're of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, the NHS recommends lower thresholds (18.5 to 22.9 for healthy weight), so check with your GP about what's healthy for you specifically.
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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.
BMI vs Body Composition — Which Matters More?
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measurement. While your BMI of 22 suggests healthy weight status, understanding your body composition — the ratio of fat to muscle — provides deeper insight. Two people with identical BMI can have very different health profiles depending on their body fat percentage and lean body mass.
For health context, healthy body fat ranges are approximately 18–24% for adult men and 25–31% for adult women. A body fat calculator or DEXA scan can measure this more precisely than BMI alone. Your BMI of 22, combined with a healthy waist circumference and appropriate body fat percentage, creates a complete picture of your health status. Consider your BMI alongside these other measures rather than in isolation. Our free BMI calculator provides your BMI instantly, but discussing overall body composition with your GP gives you the fullest understanding of your weight and 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.
Is a BMI of 22 considered healthy?
Yes. According to NHS guidelines, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is classified as healthy weight. A BMI of 22 is well within this range and suggests a lower risk of weight-related health conditions. However, BMI is just one screening tool — your overall health depends on many factors including fitness, diet, and lifestyle.
What weight in stone corresponds to a BMI of 22?
A BMI of 22 depends on your height. For example, at 5ft 8in (173cm), a BMI of 22 equals approximately 11 stone 8lbs (74kg). At 5ft 4in (163cm), it's about 10 stone 2lbs (64kg). Use our weight converter and BMI calculator above to find your exact healthy weight range at your height.
How does body fat percentage differ from BMI?
BMI measures weight relative to height but doesn't distinguish muscle from fat. Body fat percentage is the actual proportion of fat tissue in your body. Two people with the same BMI of 22 could have different body fat percentages depending on muscle mass. Body fat calculator tools and fitness assessments provide this more detailed measurement.
Should I be concerned if my BMI is 22 but I feel unhealthy?
BMI is one snapshot of health status. If you feel unwell despite a healthy BMI, discuss symptoms with your GP. Factors like fitness level, diet quality, sleep, stress, and underlying health conditions affect wellbeing beyond what BMI shows. Your GP can assess your complete health picture and recommend appropriate support.
What's the difference between BMI and body composition analysis?
BMI is a simple ratio of weight to height. Body composition analysis measures the actual proportion of fat, muscle, bone, and water in your body. For a complete health assessment, especially if you're very muscular or concerned about visceral fat, a body composition assessment alongside your BMI provides better insight than BMI alone.
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.