A BMI between 19 and 25 is considered normal. A BMI between 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. And a BMI of 30 or higher person is considered obese.
The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers.
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Body mass index (BMI) is a tool used to estimate body fat. For most people, BMI is reasonably accurate, but it is not an exact measurement. However, BMI may underestimate body fat for older people or people who have little muscle mass or overestimate body fat for athletes and people who are very muscular. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your weight or about how to gain or lose weight safely.
This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances.
Source:
Clinical Guidelines on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in cooperation with the National Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders; 1998.
