BMI Chart UK – Official Healthy Weight Ranges (NHS Guidelines)
What Is the BMI Chart?
The BMI Chart (Body Mass Index Chart) is a visual tool used in the UK to help you understand whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height.
It compares weight and height to classify adults into categories such as underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obese.
BMI is used by the NHS, doctors, and health professionals across the UK as a quick and reliable screening method.
BMI Categories (UK Standards)
Below are the official BMI ranges used in the UK:
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy Weight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 – 34.9 | Obese (Class 1) |
| 35 – 39.9 | Obese (Class 2) |
| 40+ | Obese (Class 3 – Severe Obesity) |
These numbers are the same guidelines followed by the NHS (National Health Service).
BMI Chart for Adults (Men & Women)
Use the chart below to quickly find your BMI category based on your height and weight.
Height vs. Weight BMI Chart (UK)
| Height | 50kg | 60kg | 70kg | 80kg | 90kg | 100kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 cm | 22.2 | 26.7 | 31.1 | 35.6 | 40.0 | 44.4 |
| 160 cm | 19.5 | 23.4 | 27.3 | 31.3 | 35.2 | 39.1 |
| 170 cm | 17.3 | 20.8 | 24.2 | 27.7 | 31.1 | 34.6 |
| 180 cm | 15.4 | 18.5 | 21.6 | 24.7 | 27.8 | 30.9 |
| 190 cm | 13.8 | 16.6 | 19.4 | 22.1 | 24.9 | 27.7 |
Tip: You can also use our interactive BMI Calculator for instant results.
How to Read the BMI Chart
- Find your height on the left column.
- Move across the row to your weight.
- The value in the cell is your BMI score.
- Compare your BMI to the categories above.
It’s a simple and accurate way to quickly check where you stand.
Why BMI Matters
BMI is a useful indicator of your health because it can reveal risks associated with:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Joint problems
- Obesity-related conditions
BMI is not a diagnosis, but it helps highlight whether lifestyle changes or medical advice might be needed.
Limitations of BMI
Although widely used in the UK, BMI has some limitations:
- Does not distinguish between muscle and fat
- May not be fully accurate for athletes
- Doesn’t account for body composition
- Not ideal for pregnant women
For the most accurate picture of your health, combine BMI with other measures like waist circumference and overall lifestyle habits.
BMI Chart for Children & Teens (UK)
The UK uses a different method for children aged 2 to 18 called BMI-for-age percentiles.
These charts compare a child’s BMI to other children of the same age and sex.
- Below 2nd percentile: Underweight
- 2nd – 90th percentile: Healthy weight
- 91st – 97th percentile: Overweight
- Above 98th percentile: Obese
Calculate Your BMI in Seconds
Instead of reading the chart manually, use our fast and accurate BMI Calculator UK:
It automatically provides:
- Your BMI score
- Your category
- Healthy weight range
- Suggestions based on NHS guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the BMI chart used by the NHS?
Yes. The NHS uses the same BMI ranges shown above.
2. Is BMI accurate for everyone?
It’s accurate for most adults, but not ideal for athletes, pregnant women, or people with unusual muscle mass.
3. What is a healthy BMI in the UK?
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy.
4. Can BMI help me lose weight?
BMI itself doesn’t make you lose weight, but it helps you understand where you stand and what goals to set.
5. Does BMI vary for men and women?
BMI uses the same formula for both men and women.
Conclusion
The BMI Chart UK is a reliable, easy-to-understand tool for checking whether your weight is within a healthy range.
Use it along with our calculator to monitor your progress and make informed decisions about your health.