| Body mass index, or BMI, is the measurement of choice for many physicians and researchers studying obesity. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes both a person's height and weight into account. BMI equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m2).
BMI correlates with body fat. The relation between fatness and BMI differs with age and gender. For example, women are more likely to have a higher percent of body fat than men for the same BMI. On average, older people may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.
| BMI |
Weight Status |
| Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 |
Normal |
| 25.0 – 29.9 |
Overweight |
| 30.0 and Above |
Obese |
| For adults over 20 years old |
Click here to calculate your BMI.
The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death. As BMI increases, the risk for some disease increases. BMI is only one of many factors used to predict risk for disease. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include:
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Osteoarthritis
• Premature death
• Some cancers
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