Question 1

What is a healthy BMI range?

Accepted Answer

According to the World Health Organization, a healthy BMI for adults is 18.5 to 24.9. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 or more is obese.

Question 2

What is a healthy weight for my height?

Accepted Answer

It is the weight range that gives a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9: 18.5 × height² to 24.9 × height² (height in meters). For someone 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) tall that is about 56.7 to 76.3 kg (125 to 168 lbs). The calculator shows the range for your height in kg or lbs.

Question 3

How do I calculate BMI in pounds and inches?

Accepted Answer

Multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide by your height in inches squared. For example, 180 lbs at 5 ft 11 in (71 in): 703 × 180 ÷ 71² = 25.1.

Question 4

What is BMI Prime?

Accepted Answer

BMI Prime is your BMI divided by 25, the upper limit of the healthy range. A value under 0.74 is underweight, 0.74 to 0.99 is healthy, and 1.0 or more is overweight. A BMI Prime of 1.2 means you are 20% above the healthy upper limit.

Question 5

Is BMI the same for men and women?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For adults the formula and the categories are the same for men and women, which is why this calculator does not ask for your sex. Women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.

Question 6

Is BMI accurate for athletes?

Accepted Answer

BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes and bodybuilders may have a high BMI because of muscle, not excess fat. Waist circumference or body fat percentage are better indicators for them.

Question 7

Does BMI apply to children?

Accepted Answer

Not with these categories. For ages 2 to 19, BMI is compared with other children of the same age and sex using percentile charts (for example the CDC growth charts). The adult categories here are for people aged 20 and older.

Question 8

What should I do if my BMI is too high or too low?

Accepted Answer

Talk to a doctor or other health professional. They can look at your overall health, lifestyle and medical history, and give advice that a single number cannot.

Category	BMI Range
Underweight	< 18.5
Normal weight	18.5 - 24.9
Overweight	25 - 29.9
Obese	≥ 30

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BMI Classification (adults 20+)

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