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 | 28.9% | 39.7% |
19 | 29.2% | 40.0% |
20 | 29.4% | 40.2% |
21 | 29.6% | 40.4% |
22 | 29.9% | 40.7% |
23 | 30.1% | 40.9% |
24 | 30.3% | 41.1% |
25 | 30.5% | 41.3% |
26 | 30.8% | 41.6% |
27 | 31.0% | 41.8% |
28 | 31.2% | 42.0% |
29 | 31.5% | 42.3% |
30 | 31.7% | 42.5% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
31 | 31.9% | 42.7% |
32 | 32.2% | 43.0% |
33 | 32.4% | 43.2% |
34 | 32.6% | 43.4% |
35 | 32.8% | 43.6% |
36 | 33.1% | 43.9% |
37 | 33.3% | 44.1% |
38 | 33.5% | 44.3% |
39 | 33.8% | 44.6% |
40 | 34.0% | 44.8% |
41 | 34.2% | 45.0% |
42 | 34.5% | 45.3% |
43 | 34.7% | 45.5% |
Age | Male | Female |
---|---|---|
44 | 34.9% | 45.7% |
45 | 35.1% | 45.9% |
46 | 35.4% | 46.2% |
47 | 35.6% | 46.4% |
48 | 35.8% | 46.6% |
49 | 36.1% | 46.9% |
50 | 36.3% | 47.1% |
51 | 36.5% | 47.3% |
52 | 36.8% | 47.6% |
53 | 37.0% | 47.8% |
54 | 37.2% | 48.0% |
55 | 37.4% | 48.2% |