Question 1

What is a healthy BMI range?

Accepted Answer

A healthy BMI for adults aged 18 and over is 18.5 to 24.9, according to the World Health Organization. Anything below 18.5 is classed as underweight, and anything 25 or above is classed as overweight or obese.

Question 2

What BMI is considered overweight?

Accepted Answer

A BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is considered overweight for adults. This category is associated with an increased risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, though risk also depends on body composition and other factors.

Question 3

What BMI is considered obese?

Accepted Answer

A BMI of 30 or above is classed as obese. The WHO splits this into Class I (30.0–34.9), Class II (35.0–39.9), and Class III (40 and above). Higher classes are associated with greater health risk.

Question 4

Is the BMI chart the same for men and women?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The BMI formula and the standard category cutoffs are identical for men and women. Body composition differs between sexes on average, so two people with the same BMI may not have the same body fat percentage.

Question 5

Is the BMI chart accurate for athletes?

Accepted Answer

Not reliably. Muscle is denser than fat, so highly muscular people can land in the overweight or obese range despite carrying very little body fat. Athletes are usually better served by a body fat percentage or waist measurement.

Question 6

What should I do if my BMI is outside the healthy range?

Accepted Answer

BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. If your BMI is in the underweight, overweight, or obese ranges, a healthcare provider can interpret it alongside your medical history, body composition, and other indicators before recommending any action.

Question 7

How do I find my BMI on the chart?

Accepted Answer

Find your height in the left column and your weight in the top row. The cell where they meet shows your BMI value and its category colour. For an exact result and your healthy weight range, use the BMI calculator at the top of the page.

Question 8

Is BMI the best measure of health?

Accepted Answer

No single number captures overall health. BMI is useful at the population level and as a starting point for individuals, but waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood markers, and fitness all add information BMI cannot provide on its own.

Height (cm) \ Weight (kg)	45	50	55	60	65	70	75	80	85	90	95	100	105	110	115	120	125	130
150	20.0	22.2	24.4	26.7	28.9	31.1	33.3	35.6	37.8	40.0	42.2	44.4	46.7	48.9	51.1	53.3	55.6	57.8
155	18.7	20.8	22.9	25.0	27.1	29.1	31.2	33.3	35.4	37.5	39.5	41.6	43.7	45.8	47.9	49.9	52.0	54.1
160	17.6	19.5	21.5	23.4	25.4	27.3	29.3	31.2	33.2	35.2	37.1	39.1	41.0	43.0	44.9	46.9	48.8	50.8
165	16.5	18.4	20.2	22.0	23.9	25.7	27.5	29.4	31.2	33.1	34.9	36.7	38.6	40.4	42.2	44.1	45.9	47.8
170	15.6	17.3	19.0	20.8	22.5	24.2	26.0	27.7	29.4	31.1	32.9	34.6	36.3	38.1	39.8	41.5	43.3	45.0
175	14.7	16.3	18.0	19.6	21.2	22.9	24.5	26.1	27.8	29.4	31.0	32.7	34.3	35.9	37.6	39.2	40.8	42.4
180	13.9	15.4	17.0	18.5	20.1	21.6	23.1	24.7	26.2	27.8	29.3	30.9	32.4	34.0	35.5	37.0	38.6	40.1
185	13.1	14.6	16.1	17.5	19.0	20.5	21.9	23.4	24.8	26.3	27.8	29.2	30.7	32.1	33.6	35.1	36.5	38.0
190	12.5	13.9	15.2	16.6	18.0	19.4	20.8	22.2	23.5	24.9	26.3	27.7	29.1	30.5	31.9	33.2	34.6	36.0
195	11.8	13.1	14.5	15.8	17.1	18.4	19.7	21.0	22.4	23.7	25.0	26.3	27.6	28.9	30.2	31.6	32.9	34.2
200	11.3	12.5	13.8	15.0	16.3	17.5	18.8	20.0	21.3	22.5	23.8	25.0	26.3	27.5	28.8	30.0	31.3	32.5

Category	BMI Range	Risk Level	Action
Underweight	Below 18.5	Moderate	Speak to a doctor
Healthy weight	18.5–24.9	Low	Maintain with balanced diet and activity
Overweight	25.0–29.9	Increased	Consider diet and activity review
Obese Class I	30.0–34.9	High	Consult a healthcare provider
Obese Class II	35.0–39.9	Very high	Medical advice recommended
Obese Class III	40.0+	Extremely high	Medical care strongly advised

BMI Chart — Adult Height and Weight Category Lookup

BMI categories and risk levels

How to read this BMI chart

What the BMI categories mean

Common questions