Healthy BMI Explained

BMI estimates body fat from height and weight. It’s a quick screening tool with limitations.

Use BMI alongside waist measures and fitness/lab markers. For a personalized range, try /health/healthy-weight-calculator.

Categories (WHO)

• Underweight: < 18.5
• Normal: 18.5–24.9
• Overweight: 25–29.9
• Obesity: ≥ 30

Limitations

• Doesn’t distinguish fat vs. muscle
• Frame size and ethnicity nuances
• Use with waist circumference and body composition when possible

Common contexts where BMI misleads: strength athletes, older adults with low muscle mass, and different body frames.

Practical use

Track trends, not single points; combine with other health markers.

Consider adding waist‑to‑height ratio and periodic performance checks to get a fuller picture.

FAQs

Is BMI accurate for athletes?

Often overestimates body fat due to higher muscle mass.