BMI categories for adults
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and above | Obesity |
Limitations
BMI does not distinguish muscle from fat or account for age, sex, ethnicity or body shape. Athletes may have a high BMI with little body fat. Some health bodies use lower thresholds for people of Asian descent. Use BMI as a rough screening tool and talk to a doctor for health advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI?
18.5 to 24.9 for most adults.
Is BMI accurate for children?
No, children use age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles instead.
Does it work in pounds and feet?
Yes, choose Imperial and enter pounds, feet and inches.