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 | 25.0% | 35.8% |
19 | 25.2% | 36.0% |
20 | 25.4% | 36.2% |
21 | 25.7% | 36.5% |
22 | 25.9% | 36.7% |
23 | 26.1% | 36.9% |
24 | 26.4% | 37.2% |
25 | 26.6% | 37.4% |
26 | 26.8% | 37.6% |
27 | 27.0% | 37.8% |
28 | 27.3% | 38.1% |
29 | 27.5% | 38.3% |
30 | 27.7% | 38.5% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
31 | 28.0% | 38.8% |
32 | 28.2% | 39.0% |
33 | 28.4% | 39.2% |
34 | 28.7% | 39.5% |
35 | 28.9% | 39.7% |
36 | 29.1% | 39.9% |
37 | 29.3% | 40.1% |
38 | 29.6% | 40.4% |
39 | 29.8% | 40.6% |
40 | 30.0% | 40.8% |
41 | 30.3% | 41.1% |
42 | 30.5% | 41.3% |
43 | 30.7% | 41.5% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
44 | 31.0% | 41.8% |
45 | 31.2% | 42.0% |
46 | 31.4% | 42.2% |
47 | 31.6% | 42.4% |
48 | 31.9% | 42.7% |
49 | 32.1% | 42.9% |
50 | 32.3% | 43.1% |
51 | 32.6% | 43.4% |
52 | 32.8% | 43.6% |
53 | 33.0% | 43.8% |
54 | 33.3% | 44.1% |
55 | 33.5% | 44.3% |