In 2022, the mean body mass index (BMI) of both men and women in England stood at 27.6. Since 1998, mean BMI has creeped steadily upwards among both men and women. According to the NHS, a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 is classified as ideal for most adults, while a BMI of 25 and over is generally regarded as being overweight.
Mean body mass index (BMI) of individuals in England from 1993 to 2022, by gender
Characteristic
Men
Women
1993
25.9
25.7
1994
26
25.8
1995
26.1
25.9
1996
26.3
26
1997
26.5
26.2
1998
26.5
26.4
1999
26.5
26.4
2000
26.8
26.6
2001
27
26.7
2002
26.9
26.7
2003
26.9
26.7
2004
27.1
26.8
2005
26.9
26.9
25.52626.52727.528
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* Weighted bases in 2021: n (men) = 2,081, n (women) = 2,287 Based on those with valid height and weight measurements up to 2019. In 2021 BMI was calculated from self-reported height and weight measurements.
Data up to and including 2002 are unweighted; from 2003 onwards data have been weighted for non-response. No data was collected in 2020 due to the pandemic.
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NHS Digital. (September 24, 2024). Mean body mass index (BMI) of individuals in England from 1993 to 2022, by gender [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved May 13, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/333865/bmi-of-individual-by-gender-in-england-uk/
NHS Digital. "Mean body mass index (BMI) of individuals in England from 1993 to 2022, by gender." Chart. September 24, 2024. Statista. Accessed May 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/333865/bmi-of-individual-by-gender-in-england-uk/
NHS Digital. (2024). Mean body mass index (BMI) of individuals in England from 1993 to 2022, by gender. Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: May 13, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/333865/bmi-of-individual-by-gender-in-england-uk/
NHS Digital. "Mean Body Mass Index (Bmi) of Individuals in England from 1993 to 2022, by Gender." Statista, Statista Inc., 24 Sep 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/333865/bmi-of-individual-by-gender-in-england-uk/
NHS Digital, Mean body mass index (BMI) of individuals in England from 1993 to 2022, by gender Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/333865/bmi-of-individual-by-gender-in-england-uk/ (last visited May 13, 2025)
Mean body mass index (BMI) of individuals in England from 1993 to 2022, by gender [Graph], NHS Digital, September 24, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/333865/bmi-of-individual-by-gender-in-england-uk/
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