Eligibility looks at more than today’s BMI.
We consider your weight history, family background and health, so your threshold may be lower than you expect.
Check the doctor.uk BMI treatment threshold
We take into account your weight history, not just your current weight.
Our thresholds
| Your situation | BMI we can treat from |
|---|---|
| Standard | 30 |
| With a weight-related condition Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnoea, heart disease | 27 |
| South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background NICE recommends a threshold 2.5 points lower, because the health risks from weight begin at a lower BMI | 27.5 |
| That background and a weight-related condition Both combine to lead to higher risk | 24.5 |
| Below 20 | We will not treat, whatever else applies |
Applied to your highest BMI in the last three years. Check your figures.
What a threshold means
Meeting a threshold means a doctor will assess you. It doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
From a BMI of 20, you can book a consultation either way. Below a BMI of 20, we don’t treat.
Who this often helps
A stone or two to lose
A lower dose may be the right plan for a smaller amount of weight.
You lost weight and stalled
Our threshold applies to your peak BMI in the last three years.
Your family background
NICE recommends a threshold 2.5 points lower for some backgrounds.
A weight-related condition
Prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or sleep apnoea lower your threshold.
Keeping weight off
Maintenance plans help you hold your result.
Our safeguards at a lower BMI
If we can’t meet these, we stop treatment.
At every review
- Screening for disordered eating
- A recorded reason for continuing
- Rate of loss monitored, with a plan if it’s too fast
- A stopping point agreed with you in advance
- A doctor who knows your history makes the decision
Find your threshold.
The eligibility check takes one minute and the consultation is free.