We use Body Mass Index or BMI to measure if a person’s weight is in a healthy range by using their height and weight to estimate body fat levels and measure the risk of diseases related to body fat. BMI charts primarily show ranges for underweight, overweight and obese categories.
Though you shouldn’t let your weight define you as a person or your worth, carrying too much or too little weight can increase your risk of health problems, either now or in the future. It’s important to note that although body mass index is a widely used measurement of weight, its charts may not always align with every person.
For example, if your lean mass is substantially high and your weight is more, that does not necessarily mean you’re overweight or obese. In such cases, BMI can prove slightly inaccurate since it only accounts for weight and height and not lean body mass or fat mass.
However, most people can use BMI to find out how healthy they are. In this blog, we will learn what the BMI range is for obesity for children and adults.
Table of Contents
- What BMI Levels Indicate Obesity or Overweight in Adults and Children?
- BMI Chart Outline: Ranges For Underweight, Healthy Weight, Overweight & Obese
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
What BMI Levels Indicate Obesity or Overweight in Adults and Children?
A person’s BMI is calculated using their weight and height by dividing their body mass by the square of their height and is given in kilograms per square metre (kg/m2).
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
BMI can be calculated using the above formula, and by matching the result with a BMI table or chart, one can determine where their body weight lies. However, a person's body mass index (BMI) is not the only factor that indicates these health risks. Other tools for assessing whether a person has an average weight or body composition include waist-to-height ratio, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage and more.
If your weight comes out to be in the obese category, then you must realise that obesity is a serious disease characterised by excessive fat accumulation that can impact your health negatively. It increases the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Apart from this, obesity can also affect bone health, fertility, and one’s overall quality of life. It could even influence certain aspects of life that seem far off from one’s weight, such as sleep and mobility.
BMI categories for defining obesity vary by age and gender in infants, children and adolescents. Here are the BMI ranges for overweight and obesity in children and adults:
| Adults |
|
| Children under 5 years old |
[Ex: A 4-year-old child has a weight-for-height measurement that places them at the 98th percentile according to WHO growth standards, which is more than 2 standard deviations above the median. This child would be classified as overweight.]
[Ex: A 3-year-old child has a weight-for-height measurement that places them at the 99.9th percentile according to WHO growth standards, which is more than 3 standard deviations above the median. This child would be classified as obese.] |
| Children 5-19 years |
[Example: A 10-year-old girl has a BMI of 24, while the WHO reference median for her age is 22. Since her BMI is greater than 1 standard deviation above the median, she would be classified as overweight.]
[Example: A 12-year-old boy has a BMI of 30, with the WHO reference median for his age being 24. Since his BMI is more than 2 standard deviations above the median, he would be classified as obese.] |
Please note that for children under 5 years old, BMI is not always the best indicator of overweight or obesity because growth patterns differ significantly between children and adults.
Also Read: 10 Workouts For Obese Female At Home With 7 Tips To Lose Weight Fast!
BMI Chart Outline: Ranges For Underweight, Healthy Weight, Overweight & Obese
BMI is a simple way to estimate your body fat. It’s calculated using your weight in kilograms & your height in meters (kg/m²). While a higher BMI can indicate that you have more body fat, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. If your BMI suggests that you're overweight for your height, your doctor may talk to you about the risks of obesity.
To calculate your BMI, see the adult BMI calculator or determine your BMI by finding your height and weight in this BMI chart.
- If your BMI is below 18.5, you fall into the underweight range.
- If your BMI is 18.5 to - 24.9, you are in the healthy weight range.
- If your BMI is 25.0 - 29.9, you are in the overweight range.
- If your BMI is 30.0 or higher, you are in the obese range.
Obesity is often divided into further 3 categories:
Class 1: BMI 30 to < 35
Class 2: BMI 35 to < 40
Class 3: BMI 40 or higher.
Class 3 obesity is sometimes categorised as severe obesity and is the least common but most dangerous for a person’s health and should be taken action on as soon as possible. The treatment options vary depending on how severe the obesity is. If your BMI is 30 or higher, weight loss medications might be considered along with a regular diet and exercise regimen.
However, it’s interesting to note that these general guidelines that healthcare providers use to assess obesity may vary based on differences between genders or ethnic groups. For example, some research has shown that Asian populations are more likely to have higher amounts of body fat at lower BMIs, and therefore, lower BMI cutoffs are commonly used for these populations.
Also Read: Overweight Vs Obese: Which Is Worse? Discover Risk Factors, BMI And More!
Expert’s Advice
Being obese can cause serious and complicated health conditions, and the best way to avoid it is by catching it early and making healthy lifestyle changes to lose weight. I would recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy foods and drinks and being physically active every day.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Understanding your body mass index (BMI) can be an important step to better understanding your weight and health. BMI is one potential health indicator that uses your body weight and height to determine whether your weight is under, normal or high. It's a useful tool to give you a general idea of your body fat, but it's important to remember that it's only one part of the picture. Many factors affect your overall health, including genetics, lifestyle, mental health, and more.
FAQs
1. Is a BMI over 30 obese?
Yes, a BMI over 30 is classified as obese. Specifically, a BMI of 30 to 34.9 is considered Class 1 obesity, while higher ranges indicate more severe classifications of obesity, which can increase health risks.
2. Does obesity increase with age?
The increase in obesity prevalence with age is reflected in the age-related increase in adiposity (amount of fat) observed in most populations until at least age 60. Although obesity subsequently declines, average obesity levels remain higher than in younger adults.
3. How do you lower weight and BMI?
To lower your weight and BMI, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn. Start by lowering your calories by 500 each day, which can result in about a pound of weight loss per week.
References
- https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-body-mass-index/
- https://www.iciciprulife.com/tools-and-calculators/bmi-calculator.html
- https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/food-and-nutrition/healthy-eating-and-weight-management/body-mass-index-bmi/
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight
- https://www.worldobesity.org/about/about-obesity/obesity-classification
- https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/language/bmi-body-mass-index-chart-how-to-calculate-1
- https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/adult-calculator/bmi-categories.html
- https://www.truthaboutweight.global/global/en/what-is-obesity/obesity-classes.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323586#summary
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