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 | 13.5% | 24.3% |
19 | 13.7% | 24.5% |
20 | 14.0% | 24.8% |
21 | 14.2% | 25.0% |
22 | 14.4% | 25.2% |
23 | 14.7% | 25.5% |
24 | 14.9% | 25.7% |
25 | 15.1% | 25.9% |
26 | 15.3% | 26.1% |
27 | 15.6% | 26.4% |
28 | 15.8% | 26.6% |
29 | 16.0% | 26.8% |
30 | 16.3% | 27.1% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
31 | 16.5% | 27.3% |
32 | 16.7% | 27.5% |
33 | 17.0% | 27.8% |
34 | 17.2% | 28.0% |
35 | 17.4% | 28.2% |
36 | 17.6% | 28.4% |
37 | 17.9% | 28.7% |
38 | 18.1% | 28.9% |
39 | 18.3% | 29.1% |
40 | 18.6% | 29.4% |
41 | 18.8% | 29.6% |
42 | 19.0% | 29.8% |
43 | 19.3% | 30.1% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
44 | 19.5% | 30.3% |
45 | 19.7% | 30.5% |
46 | 19.9% | 30.7% |
47 | 20.2% | 31.0% |
48 | 20.4% | 31.2% |
49 | 20.6% | 31.4% |
50 | 20.9% | 31.7% |
51 | 21.1% | 31.9% |
52 | 21.3% | 32.1% |
53 | 21.6% | 32.4% |
54 | 21.8% | 32.6% |
55 | 22.0% | 32.8% |