Understanding Healthy BMI Ranges: A Comprehensive Guide

BMI, or body mass index, is a quick indication used to determine if an adult is at a healthy weight. BMI has become a very popular way to determine if you have too much body fat, and BMI calculators have sprung up all over the Internet. These calculators need only your height and weight to automatically calculate your BMI.

Healthy Range

• A BMI between 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. A 6-foot man would be in the healthy BMI range at 175 pounds, while a 5.5-foot woman would be in the healthy range at 135 pounds.

Underweight

• A person is classified as underweight if they have a BMI less than 18.5. Being severely underweight can be just as unhealthy as having too much body fat, so your doctor will likely recommend gaining weight.

Overweight

• Adults with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 are considered overweight. If you are towards the high end of this range, you may be at risk for becoming obese if you do not modify some of your lifestyle habits.

Obese

• A person is classified as obese when his BMI exceeds 30. Obesity is a serious health problem and your doctor will likely recommend diet modifications and an exercise program if you fall into this category.

How to Stay in the Healthy Range--Exercise

• It is possible to stay within a healthy BMI range by following a healthy lifestyle. The National Institutes of Health recommends that all adults aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

How to Stay in the Healthy Range--Diet

• By limiting large portions, keeping an eye on calories and filling your diet with healthy whole grains, lean proteins and produce, you can stay in the healthy range.