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Healthy BMI

Less than half of the adults in the United States have a healthy BMI. For adults, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9; a person with a BMI over 24.9 is considered overweight, and a person with a BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight. For children, a healthy BMI is between the 5th and 85th percentile.

 

Healthy BMI: An Introduction

Body mass index (BMI for short), is a tool that can be used to indirectly measure body fatness.  Because the BMI calculation requires only height and weight, it is inexpensive and easy for healthcare providers and the general public to use as a method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
 
(Click BMI Calculator to find your BMI.)
 

What Is a Healthy BMI?

Although the BMI formula for adults and children is the same, the way the results are interpreted differ. Therefore, what is considered a healthy BMI also differs.
 
For adults, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. A person with a BMI over 24.9 is considered overweight. A person with a BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight.
 
For children, a healthy BMI is between the 5th and 85th percentile.
 

Can I Have a High BMI and Still Be Considered Healthy?

The BMI score is valid for both men and women, but it does have some limits. When using BMI to calculate body fatness, keep in mind that:
 
  • It may underestimate body fat in older people and others who have lost muscle mass
  • It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build. 
     
Therefore, it is possible for a person to be completely healthy but have an "unhealthy BMI." To account for limitations associated with BMI, healthcare providers consider other factors when assessing the health risk for certain medical conditions.
 
(Click BMI and Weight for more information on what other factors healthcare providers consider when determining risk for certain medical conditions related to weight.)
 
(Healthy BMI Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD