Here are the BMI standards as set by the World Heath Organization:
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 25 | Healthy Weight |
| 25 - 30 | Overweight |
| > 30 | Obese |
In the United States, the average BMI for adults is 28.8.
Metric
BMI = kg / m2
Imperial
BMI = (lbs * 0.45359237) / (inches * 0.0254)2
Simplified
BMI = 703 * lbs / inches2
Body Mass Index is a very simplistic method of determining whether a person is overweight. It does not taken into account a person's frame, gender, or muscularity. Furthermore, at least one study has suggested that slightly overweight people may live longer than people in the "normal" range.
Nevertheless, BMI is highly correlated with body fat % and is a decent enough yardstick of a healthy weight.
| Height | BMI |
|---|---|
| 176 cm | 17.11 |
| 177 cm | 16.92 |
| 178 cm | 16.73 |
| 179 cm | 16.54 |
| 180 cm | 16.36 |
| 181 cm | 16.18 |
| 182 cm | 16.00 |
| 183 cm | 15.83 |
| 184 cm | 15.65 |
| 185 cm | 15.49 |
| 186 cm | 15.32 |
| 187 cm | 15.16 |
| 188 cm | 15.00 |
| 189 cm | 14.84 |
| 190 cm | 14.68 |
| 191 cm | 14.53 |
| 192 cm | 14.38 |
| 193 cm | 14.23 |
| Height | BMI |
|---|---|
| 194 cm | 14.08 |
| 195 cm | 13.94 |
| 196 cm | 13.80 |
| 197 cm | 13.66 |
| 198 cm | 13.52 |
| 199 cm | 13.38 |
| 200 cm | 13.25 |
| 201 cm | 13.12 |
| 202 cm | 12.99 |
| 203 cm | 12.86 |
| 204 cm | 12.74 |
| 205 cm | 12.61 |
| 206 cm | 12.49 |
| 207 cm | 12.37 |
| 208 cm | 12.25 |
| 209 cm | 12.13 |
| 210 cm | 12.02 |