What is a healthy weight?

A healthy weight is different for everyone and depends on factors such as your height, age and overall health. 

Being a healthy weight can help you feel better, stay active and reduce your risk of developing certain health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

But health isn’t just about the number on the scales. What you eat, how active you are, how well you sleep and how you feel all play an important part in your overall health and wellbeing.

Making small changes to what you eat and how active you are can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing.

You don’t need to do everything at once – little changes to what you eat, how you move and how you care for yourself can all support a healthy weight, whatever that looks like for you. 

How can a healthy weight help me?

Reaching or maintaining a healthier weight can have a positive impact on your health and everyday life. Some benefits may include:

How can I check my weight?

There are different ways to check whether your weight could be affecting your health. Body Mass Index (BMI), waist size and waist-to-height ratio can all provide useful information.

It’s important to remember that your BMI and waist size are helpful starting points.

Body Mass Index (BMI) 

BMI uses your height and weight to estimate whether your weight is within a healthy range. It can be a useful starting point, but it doesn’t tell you everything about your health.

BMI is a general guide. It may be less suitable for people with more muscle or from some ethnic backgrounds, and should not be used during pregnancy. It may also be unhelpful for people with a history of eating disorders. If you’re unsure what your BMI means for you, please speak to a healthcare professional.

Waist Size 

Carrying extra weight around your waist can increase your risk of developing health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Measuring your waist can help you understand whether you may be carrying too much weight around your middle.

Waist to height ratio 

Your waist-to-height ratio compares your waist measurement with your height. For most adults, a useful guide is to aim for a waist measurement that is less than half your height.

If you’re unsure what these measurements mean for you, a healthcare professional can help you understand them.

What can I do next?

If you’re thinking about managing your weight, you don’t have to make lots of changes all at once. Small, realistic changes to your everyday habits can make a difference over time.