Advertisement
question

How do you interpret body mass index (BMI) for adults?

Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine
Univ. of Nev. School of Medicine, Family Medicine
answer
Body mass index, or BMI, is used to evaluate body fatness. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal for an adult. A higher number indicates an increased level of fatness, with a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 considered overweight. A BMI of 30.0 or more is considered obese. BMI calculation is affected by a person's age, race, gender and muscle mass, so these factors should be considered in the overall assessment. The calculation becomes more and more valid as a person's BMI increases.

Continue Learning about Body Mass Index (BMI)

Is body mass index a reliable indictor of health?
Is body mass index a reliable indictor of health?
If you've been to see a healthcare provider (HCP) or had a biometric screening in recent years, you may have been told your body mass index (BMI). In ...
Read More
Why is it important to know my body mass index?
Why is it important to know my body mass index? Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most accurate wa...
More Answers
Can I have a high BMI but a healthy body composition?
Can I have a high BMI but a healthy body composition? Yes, it is possible to have a healthy body com...
More Answers
What are the limitations of the body mass index (BMI) assessment?
What are the limitations of the body mass index (BMI) assessment? The body mass index is merely a ra...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.