Healthy Weight Range of the BMI Table

The National Center for Health Statistics reports that approximately 35 percent of adults in the United States are obese. Obesity has been linked to cancer, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and other chronic illnesses, so it’s important to maintain your weight in a healthy range. If you’ve never given much thought to how much you weigh, you may find it difficult to determine if your body weight is where it should be. The body mass index is a tool used to determine whether your weight is in a healthy range based on your height.

  1. Calculating BMI

    • BMI is calculated using the same formula for adults and children. To determine your BMI, you will need to know your weight in pounds and your height in inches. Take your weight and divide it by your height squared. Multiply the result by 703. This number is your BMI. For example, a woman who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds would have a BMI of 23.4. If you don't want to do the calculations, you can also use a table to quickly determine your BMI, such as one from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, or you can use an online calculator, such as one from the American Diabetes Association. Just enter your height and weight, and the BMI calculator will figure you body mass index for you.

    Healthy BMI Range

    • For the average adult, a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, so in the previous example, the woman with a BMI of 23.4 is likely at her ideal weight. Although highly correlated with other measures of body fat, BMI does not equate exactly to body fat. Consult your doctor to conduct other screenings to assess your risk for various weight-related diseases. Athletes who are highly trained may have a higher BMI, which is acceptable given their increased muscle mass. Also, women may have more body fat than men with the same BMI.

    Unhealthy BMI Range

    • Adults with a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 are generally considered to be overweight for their height. People with a BMI above 30.0 are considered obese. If you find that your BMI puts you within the class of overweight or obese, meet with your primary care provider to assess your overall health status and ways to safely reduce your weight.

    Improving Your BMI

    • The American Heart Association recommends that adults spend 75 minutes per week doing vigorous exercises, or 150 minutes per week performing exercises of moderate intensity. Adopt a well-balanced diet that includes healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables -- while adhering to any food allergies and dietary restrictions. Losing weight is a gradual process, so allow yourself time before you notice any changes. If your BMI is below 18.5, you may need to gain weight. Ensure that you are consuming enough calories compared to the amount you tend to normally burn during physical activity. If you’re still unable to reach your ideal weight, schedule an appointment with your doctor to see if medications or any underlying conditions may be contributing factors.