Weight that is higher than what is considered as a healthy weight for
a given height is described as overweight or obese. Body Mass Index, or
BMI, is used as a screening tool for overweight or obesity.
Adult Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body
Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the
square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body
fatness. BMI can be used as a screening tool but is not diagnostic of
the body fatness or health of an individual.
To calculate BMI, see the BMI Calculator or determine BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI Index Chart.
- If your BMI is less than 18.5, it falls within the underweight range.
- If your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9, it falls within the normal or healthy weight range.
- If your BMI is 25.0 to 29.9, it falls within the overweight range.
- If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, it falls within the obese range.