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 |
|---|---|
| 5′10″ | 16.07 |
| 5′11″ | 15.62 |
| 6′0″ | 15.19 |
| 6′1″ | 14.78 |
| 6′2″ | 14.38 |
| 6′3″ | 14.00 |
| 6′4″ | 13.63 |
| 6′5″ | 13.28 |
| Height | BMI |
|---|---|
| 6′6″ | 12.94 |
| 6′7″ | 12.62 |
| 6′8″ | 12.30 |
| 6′9″ | 12.00 |
| 6′10″ | 11.71 |
| 6′11″ | 11.43 |
| 7′0″ | 11.16 |