Check your BMI
Work out your body mass index from your height and weight, see which range it falls in, and find out how BMI is used when weight-loss treatment is assessed.
- Metric or imperial units
- Your result updates as you go
- Nothing you enter is saved
Height
Weight
Example BMI 25.6, overweight range.
Example BMI
25.6
Overweight
This example uses 5 ft 5 in and 11 st 0 lb. Move the sliders or type your own height and weight.
This BMI is in the overweight range. Weight-loss treatment is not usually considered below a BMI of 27. Balanced eating and regular activity can still help you manage your weight.
Your BMI is the first check
The consultation covers your age, medical history and current medication. A prescriber reviews that information and decides whether treatment is appropriate for you.
What your BMI result means
These are the standard BMI ranges for adults aged 18 and over.
Below 18.5
Underweight
Your weight may be lower than is healthy for your height. If you are concerned, or you have lost weight without trying, speak to your GP.
18.5 to 24.9
Healthy weight
This is the healthy range for most adults. Keeping active and eating a balanced diet helps you stay here.
25 to 29.9
Overweight
Losing even a small amount of weight can lower the risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
30 or above
Obese
Health risks are higher in this range. Support is available, and a healthcare professional can help you choose an approach that suits you.
How BMI is used when treatment is assessed
You may be eligible with a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more with a weight-related health condition. Lower thresholds apply for some ethnic backgrounds. A prescriber reviews your health history in the consultation and confirms whether treatment is suitable.
This calculator only looks at your height and weight. It doesn't ask about your ethnicity, health conditions, age or medicines, so it can't tell you whether treatment is right for you.
Weight-related health conditions can include type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and sleep apnoea. Your prescriber takes all of this into account.
Start your free consultationWhat BMI doesn't tell you
BMI is a useful starting point, but it is a simple measure. It works best alongside other information about your health.
Muscle
BMI can't tell muscle from fat, so people who are very muscular can have a high BMI without carrying excess fat.
Where you carry weight
Fat around the waist carries more health risk. As a guide, your waist should be less than half your height.
Ethnicity
People from South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean backgrounds can have higher health risks at a lower BMI. That is why some thresholds are lower.
Age and pregnancy
These ranges are for adults aged 18 and over. They don't apply during pregnancy, and children are assessed differently.
Estimate your calorie and protein needs
Our free nutrition calculator suggests a daily calorie and protein starting point.
