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.
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
18 | 9.8% | 20.6% |
19 | 10.0% | 20.8% |
20 | 10.3% | 21.1% |
21 | 10.5% | 21.3% |
22 | 10.7% | 21.5% |
23 | 10.9% | 21.7% |
24 | 11.2% | 22.0% |
25 | 11.4% | 22.2% |
26 | 11.6% | 22.4% |
27 | 11.9% | 22.7% |
28 | 12.1% | 22.9% |
29 | 12.3% | 23.1% |
30 | 12.6% | 23.4% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
31 | 12.8% | 23.6% |
32 | 13.0% | 23.8% |
33 | 13.2% | 24.0% |
34 | 13.5% | 24.3% |
35 | 13.7% | 24.5% |
36 | 13.9% | 24.7% |
37 | 14.2% | 25.0% |
38 | 14.4% | 25.2% |
39 | 14.6% | 25.4% |
40 | 14.9% | 25.7% |
41 | 15.1% | 25.9% |
42 | 15.3% | 26.1% |
43 | 15.5% | 26.3% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
44 | 15.8% | 26.6% |
45 | 16.0% | 26.8% |
46 | 16.2% | 27.0% |
47 | 16.5% | 27.3% |
48 | 16.7% | 27.5% |
49 | 16.9% | 27.7% |
50 | 17.2% | 28.0% |
51 | 17.4% | 28.2% |
52 | 17.6% | 28.4% |
53 | 17.8% | 28.6% |
54 | 18.1% | 28.9% |
55 | 18.3% | 29.1% |