What is your BMI?

Your BMI is a measurement of your body weight based on your height and weight. Although your BMI does not actually “measure” your percentage of body fat, it is a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on your height. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most widely used diagnostic indicator to identify a person’s optimal weight depending on his height. Your BMI “number” will inform you if you are underweight, of normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, due to the wide variety of body types, the distribution of muscle and bone mass, etc., it is not appropriate to use this as the only or final indication for diagnosis.

BMI table for adults

This is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended body weight based on BMI values for adults. It is used for both men and women, age 18 or older. The Body mass chart for adults and the body mass chart for children is different. This is becasue body mass index is accounted differently based on age and growth spurts. Here is the Body Mass Index Chart for women and for men that are 18 and older:

BMI table for children

The BMI categroization for children under 18 is unique. There is a different methodology for minors when it comes to calculate Body Mass Index. This is due to children’s growth and metabolism changes as they get older. The BMI categorization for children and teens between age 2 and 18 can be seen in the table that is below: