Our BMI thresholds
We look at your weight history, background and health, not just today’s weight.
Check the doctor.uk BMI treatment threshold
We take into account your weight history, not just your current weight.
These are the thresholds our doctors use. A result here isn’t a decision. It shows which of our criteria your figures meet.
Your threshold
| Your situation | BMI we can treat from |
|---|---|
| Standard | 30 |
| With a weight-related conditionType 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 backgroundNICE 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 conditionBoth combine to lead to higher risk. | 24.5 |
| Below 20 | We will not treat, whatever else applies |
Examples
Rachel
Went from a BMI of 31 to 26 on treatment, then took a break. She wants to restart.
Her peak BMI was over 30 within three years, so the criteria are met.
Ayesha
Lost weight without medication, from a BMI of 33 to 26 over two years, and has stalled.
Her peak BMI was over 30 within three years, so the criteria are met. Her doctor decides at the consultation.
Marcia
Has a BMI of 24.9, an African-Caribbean family background, and high cholesterol.
Background and condition combine, giving a threshold of 24.5.
Sam
Has a BMI of 19.5 and was 26 last year. He would like to lose a little more.
Below a BMI of 20, we don’t treat.
Example patients. Meeting a threshold means a doctor will assess you. It doesn’t guarantee a prescription.
We use your highest BMI from the last three years
We apply our thresholds to whichever is higher: your BMI today or your highest in the last three years.
Your doctor decides whether it applies to you. More on maintenance.
A doctor makes the decision
A GMC-registered doctor looks at your history, background and health together.
From a BMI of 20, you can book a consultation either way. Below 20, we don’t treat.
Not sure which row you are in?
The eligibility checker takes about a minute and the consultation is free.