What is a healthy BMI for women?

Healthy BMI for women is 18.5 to 24.9 (WHO global) or 18.5 to 22.9 (Asian standard). Women naturally have higher body fat than men at the same BMI. A BMI of 21-23 is often considered ideal for women in most populations.

What is a healthy BMI for men?

Healthy BMI for men is 18.5 to 24.9 (WHO global) or 18.5 to 22.9 (Asian standard). Men typically have lower body fat percentage than women at the same BMI. A BMI of 22-24 is often considered ideal for men.

What is BMI chart for children?

Children use BMI-for-age percentile charts rather than fixed BMI ranges. Healthy weight is between the 5th and 84th percentile. At or above 85th percentile is overweight. At or above 95th percentile is obese. BMI-for-age varies by age and gender for children.

What is ideal BMI by age?

Ideal BMI by age: Children use percentile charts. Adults 20-65 years: 18.5-24.9 (global) or 18.5-22.9 (Asian). Adults 65+: BMI 22-27 may be healthier as some studies show slightly higher BMI is protective in elderly.

BMI Chart 2026 – Body Mass Index Chart for Adults, Men, Women & Children

Q: What is a normal BMI?

Normal BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9 as per WHO global standards. For Asians including Indians, normal BMI is 18.5 to 22.9. BMI below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.

Q: Is BMI 25 overweight?

Yes, BMI 25 is classified as overweight by WHO global standards (overweight: 25-29.9). For Asian populations including Indians, BMI 23-24.9 is overweight and BMI 25+ is obese Class I.

Q: What BMI is considered obese?

BMI 30 or above is obese by WHO global standards. For Asian populations, BMI 27.5+ is obese. Obesity is further classified: Class I (30-34.9), Class II (35-39.9), Class III/Severe obesity (40+).

Q: How to read a BMI chart?

Find your height on the vertical axis and weight on the horizontal axis. Where the two lines intersect shows your BMI category. Color coding: Blue/Green = underweight/normal, Yellow = overweight, Orange/Red = obese. Always use the correct chart for your ethnicity.

🕐 Updated: April 2026 🌎 Global Standards 👤 Men, Women & Kids

🌎 WHO Global + Asian + Pediatric BMI Standards | USA, UK, India, Australia

🇺🇸 USA — BMI 25+ Overweight 🇬🇧 UK — NHS Standard 🇮🇳 India — BMI 23+ Overweight 🇦🇺 Australia — AIHW Standard

🌐 Global BMI Standards: This page covers BMI charts for USA (CDC), UK (NHS), India/Asia (WHO Asia-Pacific), Australia (AIHW), and Canada (Health Canada). Select the correct standard for your country above. Asian populations use lower BMI thresholds than Western countries.

Quick BMI Calculator – Find Your BMI Instantly

Weight

Height (cm)

Unit

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For detailed analysis, use our BMI Calculator →

BMI Scale – Visual Reference Chart

Under
weight

Normal
Weight

Over
weight

Obese
Class I

Class II

Class III

1018.52530354045+

Underweight (<18.5)

Normal (18.5–24.9)

Overweight (25–29.9)

Obese Class I (30–34.9)

Obese Class II (35–39.9)

Obese Class III (40+)

*Asian/Indian standard: Normal 18.5–22.9 | Overweight 23–24.9 | Obese 25+

👨

BMI Chart for Men

Healthy weight by height for men

👩

BMI Chart for Women

Healthy weight by height for women

BMI Chart for Adults – WHO Global Standard

Standard BMI categories used in USA, UK, Europe, Australia and most Western countries

BMI Range	Category	Health Risk	Common In
Below 16.0	Severely Underweight	Very High — Malnutrition	Any country
16.0 – 17.9	Moderately Underweight	High — Nutritional deficiency	South Asia, Africa
17.5 – 18.4	Mildly Underweight	Moderate Risk	Any country
18.5 – 24.9	✅ Normal / Healthy Weight	Lowest health risk	Global standard
25.0 – 29.9	⚠️ Overweight	Increased risk — Diabetes, BP	USA, UK, Australia
30.0 – 34.9	🔴 Obese Class I	High Risk	USA, UK, Australia
35.0 – 39.9	🔴 Obese Class II	Very High Risk	USA, UK, Australia
40.0 and above	🔴 Obese Class III (Morbid)	Extremely High Risk	USA, UK, Australia

*Used by CDC (USA), NHS (UK), WHO (Global), Health Canada

BMI Chart for Asians – India, China, Japan, South Korea

WHO Asia-Pacific guidelines — lower cut-off points for Asian populations due to higher metabolic risk at lower BMI

BMI Range	Category (Asian)	Category (Global)	Health Risk (Asian)
Below 18.5	Underweight	Underweight	High — Malnutrition risk
18.5 – 22.9	✅ Normal / Healthy	Normal	Low Risk
23.0 – 24.9	⚠️ Overweight	Normal (Still)	Moderate Risk
25.0 – 27.4	🔴 Obese Class I	Overweight	High Risk
27.5 – 32.4	🔴 Obese Class II	Overweight/Obese I	Very High Risk
32.5 – 37.4	🔴 Obese Class III	Obese I/II	Extremely High Risk
37.5 and above	🔴 Obese Class IV	Obese III	Severely High Risk

⚠ Why Different Standards for Asians?

Research shows that South Asians (Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis) and East Asians develop type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension at significantly lower BMI levels compared to Europeans. An Indian with BMI 23 has similar cardiometabolic risk as a European with BMI 26-27. This is primarily due to higher visceral (abdominal) fat and lower muscle mass at the same BMI.

BMI Chart for Men – Healthy Weight by Height

Healthy weight ranges for men at different heights. Global standard: Normal BMI 18.5–24.9. Asian standard: Normal BMI 18.5–22.9

Height	Underweight (<18.5)	Normal (18.5–24.9)	Asian Normal (18.5–22.9)	Overweight (25–29.9)	Obese (30+)
5’0″ / 152 cm	<42.7 kg	42.7–57.6 kg	42.7–52.9 kg	57.7–69.1 kg	>69.1 kg
5’2″ / 157 cm	<45.5 kg	45.5–61.4 kg	45.5–56.5 kg	61.5–73.6 kg	>73.6 kg
5’4″ / 163 cm	<49.1 kg	49.1–66.2 kg	49.1–60.9 kg	66.3–79.4 kg	>79.4 kg
5’5″ / 165 cm	<50.3 kg	50.3–67.9 kg	50.3–62.3 kg	68.0–81.4 kg	>81.4 kg
5’7″ / 170 cm	<53.4 kg	53.4–71.9 kg	53.4–66.1 kg	72.0–86.3 kg	>86.3 kg
5’9″ / 175 cm	<56.6 kg	56.6–76.3 kg	56.6–70.1 kg	76.4–91.6 kg	>91.6 kg
5’11” / 180 cm	<59.9 kg	59.9–80.8 kg	59.9–74.2 kg	80.9–97.0 kg	>97.0 kg
6’0″ / 183 cm	<61.9 kg	61.9–83.6 kg	61.9–76.7 kg	83.7–100.3 kg	>100.3 kg
6’2″ / 188 cm	<65.3 kg	65.3–88.2 kg	65.3–81.0 kg	88.3–105.9 kg	>105.9 kg

*Weights calculated using BMI formula. Asian Normal uses 18.5–22.9 range.

BMI Chart for Women – Healthy Weight by Height

Healthy weight ranges for women at different heights. BMI formula is same for men and women but body fat % differs.

Height	Underweight (<18.5)	Normal (18.5–24.9)	Asian Normal (18.5–22.9)	Overweight (25–29.9)	Obese (30+)
4’10” / 147 cm	<39.9 kg	39.9–53.9 kg	39.9–49.6 kg	54.0–64.6 kg	>64.6 kg
5’0″ / 152 cm	<42.7 kg	42.7–57.6 kg	42.7–52.9 kg	57.7–69.1 kg	>69.1 kg
5’2″ / 157 cm	<45.5 kg	45.5–61.4 kg	45.5–56.5 kg	61.5–73.6 kg	>73.6 kg
5’3″ / 160 cm	<47.4 kg	47.4–63.7 kg	47.4–58.6 kg	63.8–76.4 kg	>76.4 kg
5’4″ / 163 cm	<49.1 kg	49.1–66.2 kg	49.1–60.9 kg	66.3–79.4 kg	>79.4 kg
5’5″ / 165 cm	<50.3 kg	50.3–67.9 kg	50.3–62.3 kg	68.0–81.4 kg	>81.4 kg
5’6″ / 168 cm	<52.2 kg	52.2–70.3 kg	52.2–64.6 kg	70.4–84.4 kg	>84.4 kg
5’7″ / 170 cm	<53.4 kg	53.4–71.9 kg	53.4–66.1 kg	72.0–86.3 kg	>86.3 kg
5’8″ / 173 cm	<55.4 kg	55.4–74.5 kg	55.4–68.5 kg	74.6–89.4 kg	>89.4 kg

BMI Chart for Children & Teenagers (Age 2–20)

Children use BMI-for-age percentile charts (CDC/WHO). Same BMI value means different things at different ages for children.

BMI Percentile	Category	Interpretation	Action
Below 5th percentile	Underweight	BMI lower than 95% of peers	Consult pediatrician
5th – 84th percentile	✅ Healthy Weight	Normal weight for age & gender	Maintain healthy habits
85th – 94th percentile	⚠️ Overweight	Higher than 85% of peers	Diet and activity changes
95th percentile and above	🔴 Obese	Higher than 95% of peers	Medical consultation needed

Approximate BMI Values by Age for Healthy Children

Age	Boys – Healthy BMI Range	Girls – Healthy BMI Range
5 years	13.8 – 17.0	13.5 – 17.1
7 years	14.0 – 17.8	13.7 – 18.0
10 years	14.7 – 20.2	14.5 – 20.7
12 years	15.5 – 22.1	15.7 – 23.0
14 years	17.0 – 24.0	17.2 – 25.0
16 years	18.2 – 25.4	18.0 – 26.2
18 years	18.5 – 24.9	18.5 – 24.9

*Children’s BMI ranges vary by age. Always use CDC or WHO BMI-for-age growth charts for accurate assessment.

BMI Chart by Age – Healthy BMI Range at Different Ages

Ideal BMI can vary slightly with age. Some studies suggest slightly higher BMI may be protective in elderly adults (65+).

Age Group	Recommended BMI (Global)	Recommended BMI (Asian)	Notes
Children (2–18)	Use percentile chart	Use percentile chart	BMI-for-age charts required
Young Adults (18–24)	18.5 – 24.9	18.5 – 22.9	Standard adult range
Adults (25–34)	18.5 – 24.9	18.5 – 22.9	Standard adult range
Middle-aged (35–44)	19.0 – 24.9	18.5 – 22.9	Slight upward tolerance
Adults (45–54)	19.0 – 24.9	18.5 – 23.0	Same standard range
Older Adults (55–64)	19.0 – 26.0	18.5 – 23.5	Slightly higher BMI acceptable
Seniors (65+)	22.0 – 27.0	20.0 – 24.0	Higher BMI may be protective

Important for Seniors (65+): Research published in journals including JAMA suggests that BMI 22–27 may actually be associated with lower mortality in adults over 65. Being slightly overweight in old age may provide reserves against illness and muscle loss (sarcopenia). However, this does not mean obesity is acceptable — BMI above 30 still carries significant health risks at any age.

What is a BMI Chart?

A BMI chart (Body Mass Index chart) is a visual reference tool that shows BMI values corresponding to different heights and weights, along with the associated weight category (underweight, normal, overweight, or obese). It allows you to quickly determine your BMI category without manually calculating the formula.

BMI charts have been used by doctors, public health organizations, insurance companies, and fitness professionals worldwide since the 1970s when the term “Body Mass Index” was formally adopted. The underlying formula — weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared — was actually developed by Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet back in the 1830s.

How to Read a BMI Chart

Locate your height on the vertical (Y) axis
Locate your weight on the horizontal (X) axis
The intersection point shows your BMI value
The color zone indicates your category: blue (underweight), green (normal), yellow (overweight), orange/red (obese)
Use Asian BMI chart if you are of South Asian, East Asian, or Southeast Asian descent

For the most accurate assessment, always use the correct chart for your ethnicity and age group. The BMI Calculator on this page lets you enter your exact measurements for precise results.

BMI Chart Standards by Country – India, USA, UK, Australia, Canada

Different countries and health organizations use different BMI thresholds based on population-specific research. Here is how BMI is interpreted around the world:

🇮🇳

India

Normal: 18.5–22.9
Overweight: 23–24.9
Obese: 25+
WHO Asia-Pacific (2000)

🇺🇸

USA

Normal: 18.5–24.9
Overweight: 25–29.9
Obese: 30+
CDC/NIH Standard

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

Normal: 18.5–24.9
Overweight: 25–29.9
Obese: 30+
NHS England Standard

🇦🇺

Australia

Normal: 18.5–24.9
Overweight: 25–29.9
Obese: 30+
AIHW Standard

🇨🇦

Canada

Normal: 18.5–24.9
Overweight: 25–29.9
Obese: 30+
Health Canada

🇨🇳

China

Normal: 18.5–23.9
Overweight: 24–27.9
Obese: 28+
Chinese MOH Standard

🇯🇵

Japan

Normal: 18.5–24.9
Overweight (J): 25–29.9
Obese (J): 30+ (less common)
Japan Society for the Study of Obesity

🇪🇺

European Union

Normal: 18.5–24.9
Overweight: 25–29.9
Obese: 30+
WHO European Region

*Standards may vary within countries by organization. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

BMI Chart for Men – What is Healthy BMI for Men?

The healthy BMI range for men is 18.5 to 24.9 by global WHO standards, or 18.5 to 22.9 for Asian men. Men and women use the same BMI formula but have different body composition. Men naturally have:

Lower body fat percentage than women at the same BMI (men: 15-20%, women: 22-28% at normal BMI)
Higher muscle mass, which means muscle-heavy men can appear overweight on BMI charts
More visceral (abdominal) fat risk — waist above 94 cm (37 inches) for men indicates high risk

Healthy Weight for Men by Height (Global Standard)

Height	Healthy Weight Range (Global)	Healthy Weight Range (Asian/Indian)	Ideal Weight (BMI 22)
5’5″ (165 cm)	50.3 – 67.9 kg	50.3 – 62.3 kg	59.9 kg
5’7″ (170 cm)	53.4 – 71.9 kg	53.4 – 66.1 kg	63.5 kg
5’9″ (175 cm)	56.6 – 76.3 kg	56.6 – 70.1 kg	67.4 kg
5’11” (180 cm)	59.9 – 80.8 kg	59.9 – 74.2 kg	71.3 kg
6’0″ (183 cm)	61.9 – 83.6 kg	61.9 – 76.7 kg	73.7 kg
6’2″ (188 cm)	65.3 – 88.2 kg	65.3 – 81.0 kg	77.7 kg

For detailed men’s BMI analysis with gauge chart, visit our BMI for Men Calculator.

BMI Chart for Women – What is Healthy BMI for Women?

The healthy BMI range for women is 18.5 to 24.9 (global) or 18.5 to 22.9 (Asian). Women have higher essential body fat than men due to hormonal and reproductive needs. Key differences for women:

Women have higher body fat % at same BMI: normal BMI 22 = approximately 25-28% body fat in women vs 15-18% in men
During pregnancy, normal BMI guidelines do not apply
Post-menopause, fat distribution shifts toward abdominal area, increasing cardiometabolic risk
Waist above 80 cm (31.5 inches) for women indicates high risk; above 88 cm (34.5 inches) = very high risk

Healthy Weight for Women by Height

Height	Healthy Weight Range (Global)	Healthy Weight Range (Asian/Indian)	Ideal Weight (BMI 21)
5’0″ (152 cm)	42.7 – 57.6 kg	42.7 – 52.9 kg	48.5 kg
5’2″ (157 cm)	45.5 – 61.4 kg	45.5 – 56.5 kg	51.8 kg
5’4″ (163 cm)	49.1 – 66.2 kg	49.1 – 60.9 kg	55.8 kg
5’5″ (165 cm)	50.3 – 67.9 kg	50.3 – 62.3 kg	57.2 kg
5’7″ (170 cm)	53.4 – 71.9 kg	53.4 – 66.1 kg	60.7 kg
5’9″ (175 cm)	56.6 – 76.3 kg	56.6 – 70.1 kg	64.3 kg

For detailed women’s BMI analysis, visit our BMI for Women Calculator.

BMI Chart for Children & Teenagers

Children and teenagers use BMI-for-age percentile charts rather than fixed BMI ranges, because healthy BMI changes significantly with age and differs between boys and girls. The same BMI value of 20 could be healthy for a 16-year-old but overweight for a 10-year-old.

How to Use BMI Percentile Charts for Children

Calculate child’s BMI using the standard formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²
Find the child’s BMI-for-age percentile using CDC or WHO growth charts
Below 5th percentile = Underweight
5th to 84th percentile = Healthy weight
85th to 94th percentile = Overweight
95th percentile and above = Obese

India follows IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) growth charts for children’s BMI assessment. These charts are calibrated for Indian children’s growth patterns.

BMI Categories Explained in Detail

Underweight (BMI below 18.5)

Underweight indicates insufficient body weight relative to height. It can result from malnutrition, eating disorders, chronic illness, or hyperthyroidism. Health risks include weakened immune system, osteoporosis, anemia, fertility issues, and increased surgical complications.

Normal/Healthy Weight (BMI 18.5–24.9)

This range is associated with the lowest risk of weight-related health problems. For Asian populations, the healthy range is 18.5–22.9. Within this category, a BMI of 21–23 is often considered optimal based on mortality studies.

Overweight (BMI 25–29.9 Global, 23–24.9 Asian)

Overweight increases risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, and joint problems. The risk is significantly higher for people who carry excess weight around the abdomen (central/abdominal obesity).

Obese Class I (BMI 30–34.9 Global, 25–29.9 Asian)

At this level, weight-related health conditions become significantly more likely. Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) combined with medical supervision are recommended.

Obese Class II (BMI 35–39.9)

Medical intervention is typically recommended. This may include structured weight loss programs, medication, or bariatric surgery evaluation.

Obese Class III / Morbid Obesity (BMI 40+)

The most severe obesity classification. Strongly associated with reduced life expectancy, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and severe functional limitations. Bariatric surgery may be recommended.

BMI Limitations – When BMI Charts Are Not Accurate

While BMI is a useful and widely used screening tool, it has important limitations that both patients and healthcare providers should understand:

Groups Where BMI May Be Misleading

Athletes and bodybuilders — high muscle mass raises BMI without excess fat. A bodybuilder at BMI 28 may have less body fat than a sedentary person at BMI 23
Elderly individuals (65+) — muscle loss (sarcopenia) means normal BMI may mask high body fat percentage
Pregnant and breastfeeding women — BMI calculation does not apply during pregnancy
Children and teenagers — must use age and gender-specific percentile charts, not adult BMI ranges
Short-statured individuals — BMI tends to overestimate obesity in shorter people
Very tall individuals — BMI tends to underestimate obesity in taller people

Better Alternatives and Complementary Measures

Measure	What It Assesses	High Risk Threshold
Waist Circumference	Abdominal fat (best predictor)	Men: >94 cm (37″), Women: >80 cm (31.5″)
Waist-to-Hip Ratio	Central obesity distribution	Men: >0.90, Women: >0.85
Waist-to-Height Ratio	Cardiovascular risk	>0.5 for adults of any height
Body Fat Percentage	Actual fat vs muscle	Men: >25%, Women: >35%
DEXA Scan	Most accurate body composition	Medical gold standard

For Indians, waist circumference is particularly important because South Asians tend to accumulate more abdominal fat even at lower BMI values. A waist above 90 cm for Indian men and above 80 cm for Indian women indicates high risk regardless of BMI.

Frequently Asked Questions – BMI Chart

What is a normal BMI? +

Normal BMI is 18.5 to 24.9 by WHO global standards (used in USA, UK, Australia, Europe). For Asians including Indians, normal BMI is 18.5 to 22.9. A BMI of 21–23 is often considered optimal across most populations.

What is healthy BMI for women? +

Healthy BMI for women is 18.5–24.9 (global) or 18.5–22.9 (Asian). Women naturally have higher body fat than men at same BMI — approximately 22-28% body fat at normal BMI. A BMI of 21-23 is often considered ideal. Use our BMI for Women calculator for detailed assessment.

What is healthy BMI for men? +

Healthy BMI for men is 18.5–24.9 (global) or 18.5–22.9 (Asian). Men have lower body fat than women at same BMI — approximately 15-18% at normal BMI. A BMI of 22-24 is often considered ideal for men. Check our BMI for Men calculator.

Is BMI 25 overweight? +

Yes by global WHO standards, BMI 25–29.9 is overweight. For Asians (including Indians), BMI 23–24.9 is overweight and BMI 25 is Obese Class I. A person from USA/UK with BMI 25 would be “overweight” while the same BMI in India is classified as obese. This reflects genuine health risk differences between populations.

What BMI is considered obese? +

Global standard: BMI 30+ is obese (Classes I, II, III). Asian standard: BMI 27.5+ is obese. Morbid or severe obesity (Class III) is BMI 40+. At these levels, medical intervention and lifestyle changes are strongly recommended.

Why is BMI chart different for Indians vs Americans? +

Research shows South Asians develop type 2 diabetes and heart disease at lower BMI levels than Europeans. At the same BMI, South Asians have higher body fat percentage and more abdominal fat. WHO Asia-Pacific guidelines therefore use lower thresholds: normal up to 22.9 (vs 24.9 globally), overweight from 23 (vs 25), obese from 27.5 (vs 30).

How to use BMI chart for children? +

Children use BMI-for-age percentile charts, not fixed ranges. Calculate BMI using weight/height², then find the percentile on CDC or WHO growth charts. Healthy = 5th–84th percentile. Overweight = 85th–94th. Obese = 95th+ percentile. Use separate charts for boys and girls.

What is ideal BMI for adults over 65? +

For adults over 65, research suggests BMI 22–27 may actually be protective compared to lower BMI. This is because slightly higher body weight provides reserves against illness, reduces fall risk, and protects against age-related muscle loss. However, obesity (BMI 30+) still carries significant risks at any age.