Your BMI Category
Normal
Healthy weight for your height: 0 - 0 kg
Body Mass Index (BMI)
0.0
BMI Chart
15 18.5 25 30 40+
Underweight (< 18.5)
Normal (18.5 - 24.9)
Overweight (25 - 29.9)
Obese (30+)
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in metres squared.
A BMI of 25.0 or more is overweight, while the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9. BMI applies to most adults 18-65 years.
BMI Categories
- Underweight (Under 18.5): Being underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or you may be ill. If you're underweight, a GP can help.
- Healthy Weight (18.5 to 24.9): Keep up the good work! For tips on maintaining a healthy weight, check out food and diet and fitness sections.
- Overweight (25.0 to 29.9): The best way to lose weight if you're overweight is through a combination of diet and exercise.
- Obese (30.0 and above): The best way to lose weight if you're obese is through a combination of diet and exercise, and, in some cases, medicines. See a GP for help and advice.
Limitations of BMI
BMI is a useful measurement for most people over 18. But it's only an estimate and it doesn't take into account age, ethnicity, gender and body composition.
- Muscle Mass: Muscle is much denser than fat, so very muscular people, such as heavyweight boxers, weight trainers and athletes, may be a healthy weight even though their BMI is classed as obese.
- Pregnancy: Your BMI will go up if you're pregnant. You should use your pre-pregnancy weight when calculating your BMI.
- Age: Older adults may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.
- Ethnicity: Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing some long-term (chronic) conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.