How to interpret your BMI result
Read an adult BMI result by category while accounting for muscle, age, pregnancy and other important limitations.
Begin with the number and its adult reference category:
| BMI | Adult category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 or above | Obesity |
A category is a screening result, not a diagnosis. A value below 18.5 may justify reviewing recent weight change, nutrition and symptoms. A value between 18.5 and 24.9 is within the reference range but does not prove overall health. A result above 25 may prompt a broader assessment of waist measurement, blood pressure, laboratory results, fitness and family history.
BMI cannot distinguish fat from muscle or show where fat is stored. It may therefore overstate risk in a very muscular person and miss concerns in someone with low muscle mass. Adult cutoffs also should not be applied to children and teenagers; pregnancy is interpreted using pre-pregnancy BMI and gestational guidance.
Use the BMI calculator to verify your result. Discuss it with a health professional if the value is very low or high, changed unexpectedly, or accompanies concerning symptoms.