Which health check should a man get first?

Published 20 October 2026 · Matt O’Brien

Short answer: if your BMI or waist suggests obesity, the most useful first step is a proper check of your blood pressure and heart and diabetes risk. In England, men aged 40 to 74 without certain existing conditions can get a free NHS Health Check. Younger or older men have other routes, set out below.

What does this mean for me as a man?

It means the number on the scales is a prompt, not a verdict. Carrying extra weight, especially round the middle, can raise blood pressure and the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke, often with no symptoms at all. You can feel fine and still not know. A check turns guessing into something you can act on, and it does not commit you to anything.

Am I eligible for a free NHS Health Check?

The NHS Health Check is for eligible adults in England aged 40 to 74. Existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or high blood pressure can exclude you, as can cholesterol-lowering medicines or a previously assessed ten-year cardiovascular risk of 20% or more. Check the full NHS eligibility criteria. If you already have a relevant condition, your care team should offer regular reviews instead.

Eligible adults should be invited every five years by their GP or local council. If you have not been invited, ask your GP practice. If it does not offer the check, your council can advise where to book. It usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and includes measurements, blood pressure and cholesterol, with blood sugar testing where appropriate.

What if I'm under 40, over 74, or not eligible?

Your GP practice or pharmacist can advise which checks are appropriate for you:

Under 40: ask your GP practice or a pharmacist about checking your blood pressure and weight-related risk, especially if heart disease or diabetes runs in your family.

Blood pressure at a pharmacy: the NHS advises getting your blood pressure checked at a pharmacy or GP surgery if you think you might be at risk, or if you are 40 or over and have not had it checked for more than five years. Many pharmacies offer this, though some may charge, so ask first.

75 and over: speak to your GP practice, who can look at your heart, blood pressure and diabetes risk as part of your usual care.

Already diagnosed with a condition: keep up your regular reviews and raise your weight at your next one.

Private blood tests are not essential for everyone. If you choose one, ask who interprets results and arranges follow-up. They do not replace NHS care.

What should I do if I have worrying symptoms?

Do not wait for a routine check. Call 999 for sudden, persistent chest discomfort; chest pain spreading to an arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach; or chest pain with sweating, sickness, light-headedness or breathlessness. Also call 999 for stroke signs, including one-sided facial drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech, or severe difficulty breathing. In England, use NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency help; elsewhere in the UK, use your local urgent-care service. Contact your GP about other persistent or worrying symptoms, including chest pain that comes and goes.

From Matt

"I'm not a doctor. My own experience explains why I care about this; it doesn't tell us what's causing your symptoms. I wasn't just carrying extra weight. I was carrying blood pressure, a bad knee, a drinking habit, a bad mood, grief and a fright, all at once. Maybe for you it's the belt that's run out of holes. You might just be tired of being tired. That is enough reason to take yourself seriously."

What can I usefully do next?

Measure your waist and check your BMI using our free tools, then write the numbers down. If you are 40 to 74 in England, check whether you are due an NHS Health Check. If not, use one of the routes above. Take your numbers to the appointment, along with anything that has changed: sleep, snoring, energy or mood.

Frequently asked questions

Is the NHS Health Check free?

Yes. In England it is free for eligible adults aged 40 to 74 who do not already have certain heart, kidney, diabetes or blood pressure conditions.

How often can I have an NHS Health Check?

If you are eligible, you should be invited every five years by your GP practice or local council.

Can I get my blood pressure checked without seeing a GP?

Yes. Many pharmacies offer blood pressure checks. Some may charge, so ask first.

I'm 35 and overweight. What should I do?

Ask your GP practice or a pharmacist about a blood pressure check and your risk, especially if heart disease or diabetes runs in your family.

Ready for one useful step? Use Explore Weight Loss to plan yours. It's free, and you don't need an account or to buy anything.

Sources

Sources checked 20 October 2026.

About Matt

Matt O’Brien is the founder of Shift Some Timber. He is not a doctor. This article is general information, not individual medical advice.

Last updated 20 October 2026.