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 |
|---|---|
| 4′6″ | 64.13 |
| 4′7″ | 61.82 |
| 4′8″ | 59.64 |
| 4′9″ | 57.56 |
| 4′10″ | 55.59 |
| 4′11″ | 53.72 |
| 5′0″ | 51.95 |
| 5′1″ | 50.26 |
| Height | BMI |
|---|---|
| 5′2″ | 48.65 |
| 5′3″ | 47.12 |
| 5′4″ | 45.66 |
| 5′5″ | 44.26 |
| 5′6″ | 42.93 |
| 5′7″ | 41.66 |
| 5′8″ | 40.44 |
| 5′9″ | 39.28 |
| Height | BMI |
|---|---|
| 6′6″ | 30.74 |
| 6′7″ | 29.97 |
| 6′8″ | 29.22 |
| 6′9″ | 28.50 |
| 6′10″ | 27.81 |
| 6′11″ | 27.15 |
| 7′0″ | 26.50 |