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Body Mass Index (BMI) Chart

What Is a BMI Chart

A Body Mass Index (BMI) chart is a visual tool that helps you understand how your weight compares to standard health categories based on your height. Instead of doing calculations manually, a BMI chart displays a grid where height and weight intersect, making it easy to see whether your BMI falls under underweight, healthy weight, overweight, or obesity.

BMI charts are commonly used by doctors, health organizations, schools, and fitness professionals as a quick screening tool. They are not meant to diagnose health conditions but to provide a basic understanding of general weight patterns.

BMI Chart

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BMI chart for adults showing weight categories

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How the BMI Chart Works

The BMI formula is:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ [height (m)]²

However, instead of calculating manually, the chart organises weight on one axis and height on the other. Where the two meet shows your approximate BMI range.

Color coding (commonly used in BMI charts):

  • Blue / Light Yellow: Underweight
  • Green: Healthy Weight
  • Yellow / Orange: Overweight
  • Red: Obesity

This helps users quickly identify their category at a glance.

Standard Adult BMI Categories

Most organizations like WHO and CDC use the following BMI ranges for adults:

BMI Range Category
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 – 24.9 Healthy Weight
25 – 29.9 Overweight
30 and above Obesity

These categories apply only to adults aged 18+ and do not vary by gender.

Why the BMI Chart Is Useful

The BMI chart is a helpful educational tool because:

  • It’s quick and easy
    You don’t need a calculator or app — just locate your height and weight.
  • It helps track long-term changes
    If your weight shifts into a new category over time, it may signal lifestyle changes are needed.
  • It provides a general health reference
    Doctors often use BMI as an initial screening before running more detailed tests.
  • It helps identify potential health risks
    Higher BMI categories are associated with greater risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure (per WHO and CDC).

Limitations of the BMI Chart

Although widely used, the BMI chart is not perfect. It does not measure:

  • Body fat percentage
  • Muscle mass
  • Bone density
  • Body shape
  • Fitness level
  • Distribution of fat

This means two people with the same BMI can have very different body compositions. Athletes, muscular individuals, older adults, and children may require different assessment methods.

BMI Chart for Children & Teens

For people ages 2 to 19, BMI is interpreted using BMI-for-age percentiles. Children grow at different rates, so categories depend on both age and sex.

Common reference tools:

How to Use a BMI Chart Correctly

  1. Measure your height and weight accurately.
  2. Find your height on the chart’s vertical or horizontal axis.
  3. Locate your weight on the other axis.
  4. Trace where they intersect — this is your BMI range.
  5. Compare it to the standard categories.
  6. Use it as general guidance, not a medical diagnosis.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

If your BMI chart result falls into the underweight, overweight, or obesity range, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They may check:

  • Body fat
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Medical history
  • Lifestyle habits
  • Diet and physical activity

BMI alone cannot determine your overall health.

Conclusion

The BMI chart is a simple and effective way to understand how your weight compares to general health guidelines. While it has limitations, it remains a widely used quick screening tool. For the most accurate results, combine the BMI chart with a BMI calculator and professional medical advice.