The BMI Chart (Body Mass Index Chart) is used to approximate a healthy body weight relative to an individual’s height.
Many interpret the BMI chart values to approximate the percentage of body fat. However, that is not the intention of the body mass index.
Several methods can accurately measure body fat, such as hydrodensitometry (submersion in water), and calipers that measure skin fold thickness.
To calculate your BMI accurately, enter your height and weight in the BMI Calculator from the earlier page. Use that calculation to approximate your relative fitness using the BMI chart below.
Lastly we cover the BMI chart fitness categories, their risks and their implications.
BMI Chart Categories
|
BMI < 18.50 |
Underweight |
|
BMI < 16.00 |
Severe Thinness |
|
BMI 16.00 – 16.99 |
Moderate Thinness |
|
BMI 17.00 – 18.49 |
Mild Thinness |
|
BMI 18.50 – 24.99 |
Normal Weight |
|
BMI 18.50 – 22.99 |
Lower Range |
|
BMI 23.00 – 24.99 |
Upper Range |
|
BMI 25.00 – 29.99 |
Overweight / Pre-Obese |
|
BMI 25.00 – 27.49 |
Lower Range |
|
BMI 27.50 – 29.99 |
Upper Range |
|
BMI = 30 |
Obese |
|
BMI 30.00 – 34.99 |
Obese Class I |
|
BMI 35.00 – 39.99 |
Obese Class II |
|
BMI = 40.00 |
Obese Class III |
BMI < 18.5 “Underweight”
If you are a competitive athlete, or have family members of similar genetic qualities – and maintain a healthy lifestyle – this BMI / range would be appropriate. However, dieting to arrive at this range could put you at risk of malnutrition, and offers no additional health benefits.
BMI 18.5 – 24.9 “Normal Weight”
In this BMI range, you are in the healthy range for adults. You are at the lowest level of risk for hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.
BMI 25.0 – 29.9 “Overweight / Pre-Obese”
If you fall into this BMI range, you have a slightly elevated chance for hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. A moderate level of exercise and attentiveness to healthy eating can easily reduce your weight and associated health risks.
BMI > 30.0 “Very Overweight / Obese”
In this BMI range, you have a significantly elevated risk for hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Through exercise and healthy eating, a 10% reduction in weight can materially diminish the risk for these conditions.
Important BMI Chart Notes:
The BMI chart and calculator can overestimate body fat in athletes or individuals with muscular builds.
The BMI chart and calculator can underestimate body fat in older adults who may have lost muscle mass with aging.
The BMI chart and calculator are not intended to diagnose your medical condition. If you have any questions or concerns, please see your doctor.
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