reference
BMI Chart and Category Table
WHO BMI categories from underweight through obesity class III.
Use this chart to interpret your BMI result. Categories apply to most adults aged 18–65; children and teens use age- and sex-specific percentile charts instead.
WHO BMI classification for adults (18+)
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk (general population) |
|---|---|---|
| Below 16.0 | Severe thinness | Malnutrition risk — consult a clinician |
| 16.0 – 16.9 | Moderate thinness | Underweight — nutritional review advised |
| 17.0 – 18.4 | Mild thinness | Below normal range |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest general population risk |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Elevated risk of metabolic conditions |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obesity Class I | Moderate health risk increase |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obesity Class II | High health risk increase |
| 40.0 and above | Obesity Class III | Very high health risk — clinical support recommended |
How to read the chart
Find the row where your calculated BMI falls. If you are between two categories, use the higher category for screening purposes and discuss trends with a healthcare provider.
Asian population adjustment
Some health authorities recommend lower overweight thresholds (23–27.4) for Asian populations due to higher visceral fat at lower BMI values.
Frequently asked questions
How do I use this BMI reference?
Find your category or range in the table, then use the linked calculator to compute an exact value for your inputs.
Try the calculator
BMI Calculator