Your BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measurement of your weight relative to your height. BMI measurements are for people age 20 and over. Guidelines have been set by major health organizations regarding healthy and unhealthy ranges of BMI’s. You can read more about these guidelines below. First, calculate your BMI.

CALCULATE YOUR BMI:

Click and drag the box on each bar to match your current height and weight. The number at the bottom will automatically adjust to show you your BMI specific to your individual height and weight. (For instance, the current chart is set for a person who is 5’11” and weighs 150 lbs. The resulting BMI is 20.9).

BMI GENERAL GUIDELINES:

Under 18.5 refers to underweight
18.5 to 25 refers to a healthy weight
25 to 30 refers to overweight
30 or higher refers to obesity

Keep in mind that these guidelines are just that – guidelines. Individuals falling in the underweight or overweight categories could still be “healthy” depending on their fat and muscle ratios. Likewise, not all adults who have a BMI in the range labeled “healthy” are at their most healthy weight.

For example, a BMI above the healthy range is less healthy for most people; but it may be fine if you have a lot of muscle and little fat (muscle weighs more than fat). In addition, BMI’s slightly below the healthy range may still be healthy depending on the person’s genetics and amount of muscle vs. fat.

The further your BMI is above the healthy range, the higher your weight-related risk. If your BMI is above the healthy range, you may benefit from weight loss, especially if you have other health risk factors. If your BMI is below the healthy range, you are also at a greater risk of certain conditions such as menstrual irregularity, infertility, and osteoporosis. If your BMI is below the healthy range as a result of illness, or if you lose weight suddenly or for unknown reasons, see a health care provider. Unexplained weight loss may be an early clue to a health problem.