An overweight BMI is 25 to 29.9 for most adults, or 23 to 27.4 for people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean background (NICE). Being overweight raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease – but losing just 5% of your weight can lower that risk.
Check your BMI
What weight is overweight for my height?
| Height | Overweight from (BMI 25) | BMI 27.5 | Obesity above (BMI 29.9) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 58.1 kg · 9 st 2 lb | 63.9 kg · 10 st 1 lb | 69.4 kg · 10 st 13 lb |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 62.0 kg · 9 st 11 lb | 68.2 kg · 10 st 10 lb | 74.2 kg · 11 st 9 lb |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 66.1 kg · 10 st 6 lb | 72.7 kg · 11 st 6 lb | 79.0 kg · 12 st 6 lb |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 70.3 kg · 11 st 1 lb | 77.3 kg · 12 st 2 lb | 84.0 kg · 13 st 3 lb |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 74.6 kg · 11 st 10 lb | 82.0 kg · 12 st 13 lb | 89.2 kg · 14 st 1 lb |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 79.0 kg · 12 st 6 lb | 86.9 kg · 13 st 10 lb | 94.5 kg · 14 st 12 lb |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 83.6 kg · 13 st 2 lb | 92.0 kg · 14 st 7 lb | 100.0 kg · 15 st 10 lb |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 88.3 kg · 13 st 13 lb | 97.2 kg · 15 st 4 lb | 105.6 kg · 16 st 9 lb |
Overweight is very common – 64% of adults in England have a BMI of 25 or more (Health Survey for England 2022). It is not a diagnosis, but it is a useful early warning.
Health risks of being overweight
- Type 2 diabetes – the risk rises steadily as BMI increases above 25.
- High blood pressure and heart disease – extra weight makes the heart work harder.
- Joint pain – each extra kilogram puts more strain on knees and hips.
- Fatty liver disease, sleep apnoea and acid reflux.
Where you carry weight matters. If your waist is more than half your height, your risk is higher even if your BMI is only just over 25. Check with the waist-to-height ratio calculator.
How much weight should I lose?
You do not have to reach a BMI of 24.9 to see benefits. NICE and the NHS suggest starting with a target of 5% to 10% of your body weight.
Plan it with the calorie deficit calculator and the weight loss timeline calculator.
Simple steps that work
- Swap sugary drinks for water, sugar-free drinks, tea or coffee.
- Fill half your plate with vegetables and choose wholegrains for fibre.
- Watch portion sizes – use a smaller plate and serve food in the kitchen.
- Move more every day – build up to 150 minutes a week of brisk walking, cycling or swimming.
- Cut back on alcohol – a large glass of wine can contain around 200 kcal.
- Use free support – the NHS Weight Loss Plan app or a GP-referred programme.
More ideas: 12 NHS weight loss tips.
Overweight but muscular?
BMI cannot tell muscle from fat, so very muscular people may be classed as overweight while having little body fat. If your waist is less than half your height and you are active, your health risk is likely to be lower than your BMI suggests. A body fat estimate can help.
Frequently asked questions
Is a BMI of 26 overweight?
Yes. A BMI of 26 is in the overweight range (25 to 29.9) for most adults.
Is being overweight unhealthy?
It increases the risk of several conditions, but it is not a diagnosis on its own. Your waist size, activity, blood pressure and blood sugar all affect your actual risk.
How much do I need to lose to stop being overweight?
That depends on your height and current weight. Use the table above to find the weight that gives a BMI of 24.9, or enter your details in the BMI calculator.
What is the overweight BMI for Asian people?
NICE recommends that people of South Asian, Chinese and other Asian family background are classed as overweight from a BMI of 23, and as having obesity from 27.5.
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Medical disclaimer: this guide is general information for adults and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. bmicalculatornhs.net is independent and not affiliated with the NHS. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or another qualified health professional about your own health. Full disclaimer.