🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🌍 WHO 🌏 Asia-Pacific 🇯🇵 Japan
BMI Calculator — United Kingdom
Body Mass Index · NHS Standard · UK Health Statistics
QUICK ANSWER
WHO normal BMI: 18.5–24.9. In the UK, 27.8% of adults are obese and 63.8% are overweight or obese (NHS Health Survey for England 2022). The NHS uses the same WHO thresholds: healthy weight 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, obese ≥30. For people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African/Caribbean background, NHS advises that health risks begin at lower BMI levels (overweight from BMI 23, obese from BMI 27.5).
Weight / Height · Metric (kg/cm) · Imperial (lbs/ft)
BMI Classification — United Kingdom & International
| Category / Healthy | 🌍 WHO | 🌏 Asia-Pacific | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | < 18.5 | < 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | 18.5 – 22.9 | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | 23 – 27.4 | ≥ 25 (Obese) |
| Obese | ≥ 30 | ≥ 27.5 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
What BMI does the NHS use? ▾
The NHS uses WHO BMI thresholds: underweight below 18.5, healthy weight 18.5–24.9, overweight 25–29.9, and obese 30 or above. For adults from South Asian, Chinese, and Black African or Caribbean backgrounds, the NHS advises that health risks occur at lower BMI values: overweight from BMI 23 and obese from BMI 27.5.
What is the obesity rate in the UK? ▾
27.8% of UK adults are classified as obese per the NHS Health Survey for England 2022 — the highest rate in Western Europe after Malta. An additional 36% are overweight. Obesity is more prevalent among older adults and in more deprived areas. NHS England spends approximately £6.1 billion per year treating overweight and obesity-related conditions.
How does UK obesity compare to other countries? ▾
The UK's 27.8% adult obesity rate is higher than Germany (22.3%), France (17%), and Italy (19.9%), but lower than the US (36.2%) and Australia (29%). Within the UK, Scotland (28.5%) has a slightly higher rate than England (26.9%). The Office for Health Improvements and Disparities (OHID) publishes annual statistics.