BMI (Body Mass Index) Ranges

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measurement for determining a person’s level of obesity or underweight. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. While BMI is not a perfect measurement for determining a person’s overall health and fitness, it is still widely used as a quick and easy tool for determining whether someone is at a healthy weight or not.

There are different ranges of BMI that indicate different levels of health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified these ranges as follows:

Underweight: A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered underweight. This means that a person is not getting enough nutrition and may be at risk of developing health problems such as anemia, osteoporosis, and a weakened immune system. Underweight people should aim to increase their calorie intake and may need to consult a doctor or dietitian to help them gain weight in a healthy way.

Normal Weight: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight. This means that a person is getting the right amount of nutrition and is at a healthy weight. People in this range should aim to maintain their weight through healthy eating and regular exercise.

Overweight: A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. This means that a person is getting more calories than they need and may be at risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Overweight people should aim to reduce their calorie intake and increase their physical activity to lose weight in a healthy way.

Obesity: A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. This means that a person is getting significantly more calories than they need and is at a high risk of developing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Obese people should aim to lose weight in a healthy way by reducing their calorie intake and increasing their physical activity.

BMI is not a perfect measurement of health and fitness. For example, athletes and bodybuilders often have a higher BMI due to their muscle mass, but they are still considered healthy. Similarly, older adults may have a lower BMI due to muscle loss, but they are still considered healthy. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or dietitian to determine whether a person is truly healthy or not.

In conclusion, Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measurement for determining a person’s level of obesity or underweight. The WHO has classified the different ranges of BMI as Underweight, Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obesity. However, it’s important to understand that BMI is not a perfect measurement of health and fitness, and people should consult a doctor or dietitian to determine whether they are truly healthy or not. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising regularly to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Refer to our BMI calculator on How to calculate BMI to assess what your current BMI is as well as future maintenance.