Blood Donation Eligibility: Weight and BMI Requirements

Being overweight or obese does not automatically disqualify you from donating blood, but centers follow specific criteria:

  • Minimum weight: Typically 110 lbs (49.9 kg) in the U.S. for all donors.
  • BMI: Some centers use BMI; donors below ~18.5 may be deferred due to health risks.

Weight and BMI are not the only factors—overall health, medical history, medications, and recent travel also matter. Contact your local blood center for their exact requirements.

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