Health Measurements: Body Mass Index
Health Measurements: Body Mass Index
See if your weight is in the healthy range with the
Body Mass Index Chart. If you’re overweight, losing just 10 pounds can dramatically reduce your chance of developing high blood pressure or diabetes. And it’s enough to make an aching back or knee feel better.
What is it?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from body weight and height.
Why is it included?
It can be used to determine if people are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It also provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
Limitations
BMI may overestimate body fat in muscular people and can underestimate body fat in people who have lost muscle mass. That's why BMI should be used in conjunction with waist measurement.
How is it measured?
Taking your weight and your height and inserting those numbers into a mathematical formula. The number determines where you fall on a graph—use this easy to read chart to quickly determine your BMI.
Ranges
Underweight = <18.5
Normal Weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
Additional Resources
BMI FAQs
BMI Calculator (NHLBI)
How to Lose and Manage Weight (FDA)
CDC BMI Information (has a child/teen BMI calculator)