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Trying for a baby

Your BMI range

Body Mass Index is a handy guide to the healthy weight range for your height, used by the government and health professionals.

Please note: If you are a mum-to-be, BMI and the weight range chart can be used to look at the range you were in at the start of your pregnancy (at or before your booking appointment). It is not suitable to assess your weight after this point as it becomes inaccurate as you gain weight through your pregnancy. The BMI weight range chart may not be accurate for people with a high muscle mass. If you are under 16 years old, the chart is not suitable to assess your weight range.

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Calculate BMI

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Your BMI suggests you are underweight.

Intentionally trying to lose weight to reach and stay within this range can be unhealthy. You may not be eating enough food to supply your body with all the nutrients it needs. Being underweight can lead to problems such as osteoporosis and anaemia and also affects fertility.

You may not be eating enough food to supply your own body and your growing baby with the nutrients you both need. Being underweight and trying to stay within this range can be unhealthy. It is important to eat a healthy balanced diet and to try to gain weight.

Your BMI indicates you are a healthy weight for your height.

In this range, you are at least risk of developing weight-related medical problems. Your health may not necessarily benefit from further weight loss and it’s important not to aim to go below this range.

You are at least risk of developing weight-related medical problems and having complications during your pregnancy and birth. For a healthy pregnancy it is important to follow a healthy balanced diet and include some daily physical activity.

Your BMI suggests you may be at risk of developing weight-related problems.

Losing weight will reduce this risk and could also improve existing health conditions.

Making small changes to your diet and becoming more active will help to reduce this risk and could also improve any existing health problems. Making healthy lifestyle changes now will help you avoid gaining excess weight during pregnancy, making it easier to achieve a healthy weight after giving birth.

Your BMI suggests your health is at greater risk from weight-related problems, including heart disease and diabetes.

Losing weight and keeping it off will reduce this risk and also improve existing health conditions. It will also improve your overall health and fitness including fertility and menstrual problems.

You are at increased risk of a number weight-related complications during your pregnancy. Making changes to the foods you eat and becoming more active will help to reduce the health risk and will benefit both you and your baby. Making healthy lifestyle changes now will help you avoid gaining excess weight during pregnancy, making it easier to move towards a healthy weight after giving birth.

Weight range chart

How to use the weight range chart:

Use the weight range chart below to help you set your weight management goals. Line up your height (vertical) measurement, and then your weight (horizontal) measurement. Where the lines cross is where you are in the weight range.

Please note: the point at which someone's health is at risk due to their weight varies between ethnic groups. It is recommended that Asian (South Asian and Chinese), black African and African Caribbean populations use the area between the dotted lines as an indicator for when their health may be at risk due to their weight (see the medium blue range), and the area to the right of the dark blue dotted line as an indicator that their health is at greater risk (see dark blue range). NICE Public Health Guidance PH46.

You might also be interested in:

Reaching a healthy weight

As well as improving your chances of conceiving, reaching a healthy weight can help you have a healthier pregnancy and baby.

How much should I gain?

Pregnancy is a time of life when gaining some weight is to be expected.

Your weight after pregnancy

It’s advisable to check with your midwife or GP before attempting to lose weight or starting to exercise after the birth of your baby.

Healthy eating

A healthy, balanced diet is good for us at any time in our lives and it’s even more essential if you’re trying for a baby or you’re already expecting.
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© Slimming World

This website has been created in partnership by Slimming World and The Royal College of Midwives and is hosted by Slimming World.

Please talk to your midwife or GP for personal support and advice. We recommend you always follow any specific advice you have been given by a health care professional and talk to your midwife or GP if you have any concerns.

Note: in our pregnancy and breastfeeding materials, we refer to women, mums-to-be and expecting mums. Please take this to include people of any gender identity who are a new parent or are expecting a baby. Likewise, where we use the term parent, we include anyone who has the main responsibility for caring for a child.