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
Understanding Overweight in Women — Health Risks and Support
If you're asking "am I overweight?", the NHS defines overweight as a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 for most adults. Carrying excess weight increases the risk of several health conditions, but the good news is that even modest weight loss can improve your health outcomes. This guide explains what overweight means according to NHS thresholds, the health risks associated with excess weight, and the practical support available to you through the NHS and other routes.
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 Conditions Linked to Excess Weight in Women
Carrying excess weight increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes — the most common weight-related condition. Women with a BMI in the overweight range are approximately 3–5 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to women at a healthy weight. Excess weight also increases cardiovascular risk, including high blood pressure and abnormal blood cholesterol levels, both major risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
- Obstructive sleep apnoea — disrupted breathing during sleep, which can affect heart health and daytime alertness
- Osteoarthritis — excess weight puts additional strain on joints, particularly knees, hips, and lower back
- Certain cancers — research links excess weight to increased risk of breast (especially post-menopausal), endometrial, and bowel cancer
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease — fat accumulation in the liver, which can progress if weight is not managed
- Fertility and pregnancy complications — excess weight can affect conception, increase miscarriage risk, and complicate pregnancy
The positive news: studies show that losing just 5–10% of body weight significantly reduces these risks and can improve blood sugar control, blood pressure, and joint function.
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.
NHS Support and Weight Management Options for Women
If you're asking "am I overweight according to NHS standards?", use our free BMI calculator above to check your personal BMI instantly — it will tell you exactly where you fall on the NHS overweight threshold. The NHS offers a structured weight management pathway starting with Tier 1 support: free digital tools, behaviour change programmes, and community-based services. Your GP can refer you to more intensive Tier 3 specialist weight management services if needed.
For women with a BMI of 27 or above with weight-related health conditions (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure), or BMI of 30 or above, prescription weight loss medication may be an option following clinical assessment. These are used alongside diet and physical activity changes. Our GLP-1 weight loss calculator can help you understand potential weight loss outcomes if you're exploring this route with your healthcare provider.
- 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 counts as overweight for women?
According to NHS guidelines, a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is classified as overweight for adults of all genders. Your healthy weight range depends on your height. Use the BMI calculator on this page to find your personal healthy weight range in stone and pounds.
Can losing weight reduce health risks?
Yes, significantly. Research shows that losing just 5–10% of your body weight improves blood sugar control, lowers blood pressure, reduces joint strain, and decreases type 2 diabetes risk. Even modest weight loss has measurable health benefits.
What's the difference between overweight and obese according to NHS UK?
The NHS defines overweight as BMI 25.0–29.9 and obese as BMI 30.0 or above. Obesity is further classified into Class I (30–34.9), Class II (35–39.9), and Class III (40+). Your GP can discuss what these categories mean for your individual health.
How quickly should I aim to lose weight?
The NHS recommends losing weight at a rate of 0.5 to 1 kg (1–2 lbs) per week for sustainable, healthy weight loss. This requires a calorie deficit of roughly 500 kcal per day and works best alongside physical activity and behavioural changes.
Where can I get NHS help if I'm overweight?
Start by speaking with your GP, who can refer you to local weight management services. The NHS offers free digital tools, community programmes, and specialist services depending on your needs and region. Your GP can also discuss whether prescription medication might be suitable for you.
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.