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How do I know if I have a healthy body weight?
A healthy body weight is different for everyone. If you're not sure what's healthy for you, check with your doctor.
What is BMI?
The body mass index (BMI) is a tool that can help healthcare professionals decide when adults may be at risk for developing health problems because they are underweight or overweight. The BMI uses a chart based on height and weight.
Enter your height and weight below to find your BMI. Be sure to use a scale and measuring tape for these measurements – don't estimate.
This BMI tool is for adults over 18. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this tool.
| Change measurements | |
| Your BMI is: | |
What your BMI means
| BMI (kg/m2) | Group |
| less than 18.5 | underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | normal weight |
| 25 to 29.9 | overweight |
| 30 or more | obese |
The BMI isn't perfect
While there are some drawbacks to using the BMI as a tool to measure healthy body weight, it is still a helpful tool when talking about weight and goals with your doctor. Some things to remember:
- The BMI calculation uses weight and height to estimate – not exactly measure – body fat.
- BMI and body fat are different for men and women.
- BMI may not reflect the changes to body fat and muscle mass that happen as people age.
- Lean people with high muscle mass, such as athletes, may have high BMI scores.
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