BMI Calculator (Cont.)

Body Mass Index (BMI)

What Do the BMI Calculator Results Mean for Adults?

For adults 20 years old and older, the BMI calculator results are interpreted using standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women. The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following table:

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and Above	Obese

However, BMI is just one measure to assess the risk associated with weight.

(Click BMI and Weight for more information on what other factors healthcare providers consider when determining risks for certain medical conditions related to weight.)

A Reminder About Using Adult BMI Criteria to Interpret BMI in Children

The adult BMI calculator provides only the BMI number and not the BMI age- and sex-specific percentile that is used to interpret BMI and determine the weight category for children and teens. It is not appropriate to use the BMI weight status categories for adults to interpret BMI numbers for children and teens.

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

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