NHS BMI Chart – UK Adult BMI Categories & Height-Weight Reference
Use the verified NHS BMI Chart to look up your Body Mass Index across imperial (feet, inches, stones, pounds) and metric (centimetres, kilograms) measurements. Find your clinical category and discover your ideal healthy weight band.
In UK primary care, general practitioners and practice nurses refer to the adult BMI chart to quickly screen whether an adult’s weight is proportionate to their stature. For an instant calculation tailored to your exact measurements, you can also use our BMI Calculator NHS homepage tool.
Standard UK Adult BMI Lookup Tables
Toggle between the Imperial UK chart (feet & stones) and the Metric chart (metres & kilograms) below to find your BMI classification.
| Height (Ft/In) | Underweight (<18.5) | Healthy Weight (18.5–24.9) | Overweight (25.0–29.9) | Obesity Class I (30.0–34.9) | Obesity Class II+ (35.0+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 ft 10 in (147 cm) | Under 6 st 4 lb | 6 st 4 lb – 8 st 6 lb | 8 st 7 lb – 10 st 3 lb | 10 st 4 lb – 11 st 13 lb | 12 st 0 lb or more |
| 5 ft 0 in (152 cm) | Under 6 st 9 lb | 6 st 9 lb – 9 st 2 lb | 9 st 3 lb – 10 st 13 lb | 11 st 0 lb – 12 st 11 lb | 12 st 12 lb or more |
| 5 ft 2 in (157 cm) | Under 7 st 3 lb | 7 st 3 lb – 9 st 10 lb | 9 st 11 lb – 11 st 10 lb | 11 st 11 lb – 13 st 9 lb | 13 st 10 lb or more |
| 5 ft 4 in (163 cm) | Under 7 st 11 lb | 7 st 11 lb – 10 st 5 lb | 10 st 6 lb – 12 st 7 lb | 12 st 8 lb – 14 st 8 lb | 14 st 9 lb or more |
| 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) | Under 8 st 3 lb | 8 st 3 lb – 11 st 1 lb | 11 st 2 lb – 13 st 5 lb | 13 st 6 lb – 15 st 9 lb | 15 st 10 lb or more |
| 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | Under 8 st 11 lb | 8 st 11 lb – 11 st 11 lb | 11 st 12 lb – 14 st 4 lb | 14 st 5 lb – 16 st 10 lb | 16 st 11 lb or more |
| 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) | Under 9 st 5 lb | 9 st 5 lb – 12 st 9 lb | 12 st 10 lb – 15 st 3 lb | 15 st 4 lb – 17 st 12 lb | 17 st 13 lb or more |
| 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | Under 10 st 0 lb | 10 st 0 lb – 13 st 7 lb | 13 st 8 lb – 16 st 3 lb | 16 st 4 lb – 18 st 13 lb | 19 st 0 lb or more |
| 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) | Under 10 st 9 lb | 10 st 9 lb – 14 st 5 lb | 14 st 6 lb – 17 st 3 lb | 17 st 4 lb – 20 st 1 lb | 20 st 2 lb or more |
| 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) | Under 11 st 4 lb | 11 st 4 lb – 15 st 4 lb | 15 st 5 lb – 18 st 5 lb | 18 st 6 lb – 21 st 4 lb | 21 st 5 lb or more |
To explore dedicated height charts, see our in-depth guide on Healthy Weight Range by Height and Ideal Weight by Height UK.
Understanding the 4 NHS BMI Categories
The NHS uses internationally recognised BMI thresholds defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify adult body mass. Learn more in our BMI Categories Explained guide.
Underweight
BMI < 18.5Being below 18.5 may suggest insufficient energy intake, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying clinical conditions. Associated risks include weakened immune resilience, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue.
Guidance: Speak with a GP or dietitian regarding nutrient-dense ways to build weight safely.
Healthy Weight
BMI 18.5 – 24.9The target range for most UK adults (NHS healthy BMI range). Associated with the lowest statistical risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
Guidance: Maintain through balanced nutrition and at least 150 minutes of weekly activity.
Overweight
BMI 25.0 – 29.9Carrying excess body weight puts added strain on joints, arteries, and the circulatory system. Early dietary and lifestyle changes can prevent progression into clinical obesity.
Guidance: A gradual calorie deficit of 500 kcal/day can produce safe, steady weight reduction.
Obesity (Class I, II, III)
BMI 30.0+Class I (30.0–34.9), Class II (35.0–39.9), and Class III (40.0+ / severe). Obesity significantly elevates risks of high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, metabolic syndrome, and osteoarthritis.
Guidance: Consult your GP surgery to access structured NHS weight management services.
NICE Ethnic Variations in the Adult BMI Chart
Clinical guidelines from NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, PH46) define lower BMI cut-offs for minority ethnic communities across the UK.
Why Lower Cut-offs Apply for South Asian, Black, and Other Groups
Extensive UK public health data demonstrates that individuals from South Asian (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi), Black African, African-Caribbean, Chinese, and Middle Eastern backgrounds carry higher abdominal/visceral adiposity at lower total body weights.
| Risk Classification | White European Heritage | South Asian, Black, Chinese & Middle Eastern | Clinical Implication |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Weight (No Increased Risk) | 18.5 – 24.9 kg/m² | 18.5 – 22.9 kg/m² | Lowest incidence of cardiometabolic complications. |
| Increased Risk (Action Point 1) | 25.0 – 29.9 kg/m² | 23.0 – 27.4 kg/m² | Early risk of hypertension and insulin resistance; lifestyle intervention advised. |
| High Risk (Action Point 2) | 30.0 kg/m² or higher | 27.5 kg/m² or higher | Significantly elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes; medical evaluation recommended. |
How BMI is Calculated from the Chart
The mathematical formula behind the NHS BMI chart was developed by Adolphe Quetelet and is used worldwide.
Metric Formula
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m)]²
Example: An adult weighing 70 kg with a height of 1.75 m:
1.75 × 1.75 = 3.0625
70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.86 kg/m² (Healthy Weight)
Imperial Formula
BMI = [Weight (lbs) ÷ (Height (in))²] × 703
Example: An adult weighing 11 st 0 lb (154 lbs) with a height of 5 ft 9 in (69 inches):
69 × 69 = 4,761
(154 ÷ 4,761) × 703 = 22.74 kg/m² (Healthy Weight)
Important Limitation: Muscle Mass & Waist Circumference
The BMI chart does not differentiate between lean muscle mass and adipose fat tissue. Muscular athletes may register as overweight despite having low body fat. For a more comprehensive evaluation, check your body proportions with our Visual BMI Calculator and keep your waist circumference to less than half your height.
Related NHS-Aligned Weight & Health Tools
Explore complementary calculators and lookup guides across our website:
BMI Calculator NHS
Calculate your precise BMI instantly with metric and imperial units, ethnic risk filters, and print reports.
NHS Healthy BMI Range
In-depth clinical guide on the 18.5–24.9 kg/m² healthy range, age factors, and metabolic longevity.
Healthy Weight by Height
Complete height-by-height weight tables in stones, pounds, and kilograms for UK adults.
Visual BMI Calculator
Interactive 3D body visualizer comparing BMI categories, muscle mass, and waist ratios.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NHS BMI Chart
Evidence-based answers to common questions about adult BMI charts in the UK.
The NHS BMI chart is a clinical reference matrix linking height and weight to categorize whether an adult is underweight (<18.5), healthy weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), or obese (30.0+).
Find your height along the left axis (e.g. 5 ft 8 in or 173 cm), move across to locate your current weight, and check which colour-coded column your weight falls under to determine your BMI band.
For adults aged 18 and older, the numerical BMI boundaries (18.5, 25.0, 30.0) are identical for men and women. However, because body fat distribution differs by biological sex, waist circumference should also be monitored.
NICE guideline PH46 establishes lower cut-offs (increased risk at 23.0 kg/m² and high risk at 27.5 kg/m²) because people of South Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean, and Chinese ancestries develop cardiometabolic risks at lower BMIs.
No. Adult BMI charts must not be used for children or teenagers aged 2 to 17. Children require NHS UK-WHO growth chart centiles adjusted for exact age and biological sex.
Authoritative References & Clinical Sources
- NICE Guideline [CG189]: Obesity: identification, assessment and management. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
- NICE Public Health Guideline [PH46]: BMI: preventing ill health and premature death in black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups.
- NHS England: Managing your weight and understanding Body Mass Index (BMI).
- World Health Organization (WHO): Global Database on Body Mass Index and cut-off points for adult populations.
Medical & Clinical Disclaimer
The charts, lookup tables, and guidance provided on bmicalculatornhs.net are for general educational and informational purposes only. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening metric and does not constitute a clinical medical diagnosis or individual treatment plan.
This website is an independent health resource and is not owned, operated, or officially endorsed by NHS England or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. Always consult your GP or a qualified medical professional for personal health concerns.