BMI Calculator
BMI chart, categories & healthy weight by height
Find your BMI category and the healthy weight range for your height with the charts below. BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)²; for example, 80 kg at 1.75 m is a BMI of 26.1 (overweight). BMI is a screening guide, not a diagnosis or a measure of body fat.
How BMI works
BMI (body mass index) estimates weight status from your height and weight: BMI = weight in kilograms ÷ height in metres squared. For example, 80 kg at 1.75 m is 80 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 26.1. In pounds and inches, BMI = weight (lb) ÷ height (in)² × 703.
BMI is a quick screening number for adults, but it does not measure body fat directly and does not account for muscle, so very muscular people can read high. Use the category and healthy-weight charts below as a guide, then interpret them alongside your overall health.
BMI categories (adults)
| BMI | Category |
|---|---|
| < 18.5 | UnderweightBest |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obesity (class I) |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obesity (class II) |
| ≥ 40.0 | Obesity (class III) |
Healthy weight range by height
| Height | Healthy weight (BMI 18.5–24.9) |
|---|---|
| 150 cm (4'11") | 41–56 kg (90–123 lb)Best |
| 155 cm (5'1") | 44–60 kg (98–132 lb) |
| 160 cm (5'3") | 47–64 kg (104–141 lb) |
| 165 cm (5'5") | 50–68 kg (110–150 lb) |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 53–72 kg (117–159 lb) |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 57–76 kg (125–168 lb) |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 60–81 kg (132–178 lb) |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 63–85 kg (139–187 lb) |
| 190 cm (6'3") | 67–90 kg (148–198 lb) |
What BMI means for GLP-1 eligibility
BMI often starts the conversation about weight-management medication, but it does not decide it alone. As a general guide, obesity treatment is usually considered at a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
The exact threshold depends on the product label and your clinician. Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for weight management. BMI is one input alongside your history, labs, and other conditions.
Using BMI to track progress (and its limits)
To track change over time, measure under the same conditions — same scale, similar time of day — so the trend is meaningful. A falling BMI on a protocol is a useful signal, but weight, waist circumference, and how you feel together tell a fuller story.
BMI has limits: it does not apply the same way to children, athletes, pregnant people, or older adults, and it says nothing about where fat is stored. Treat it as a starting point, not the whole picture, and discuss decisions with a clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². In imperial units, BMI = weight (lb) ÷ height (in)² × 703. For example, 80 kg at 1.75 m is 26.1.
For adults, 18.5–24.9 is the healthy range, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is in the obesity range. Below 18.5 is underweight.
See the chart above. For example, at 170 cm a BMI of 18.5–24.9 is about 53–72 kg (117–159 lb); at 180 cm it is about 60–81 kg (132–178 lb).
As a general guide, weight-management treatment is considered at a BMI of 30+, or 27+ with a weight-related condition. The exact rule depends on the drug label and your clinician — BMI is only one factor.
The formula is exact, but BMI does not measure body fat or muscle, so athletes can read high and it applies differently to children, older adults, and pregnancy. Use it as a screen, not a diagnosis.
Yes. Shotlee logs your weight and BMI trend alongside doses and side effects, with reminders, so you can see change over time.
Track Your BMI Trend in Shotlee
Log your weight and BMI over time alongside doses and side effects — free.
📚References & sources
Latest on bmi
Eli Lilly Prepares FDA Run for ‘Triple-G’ Weight Loss Drug With Phase 3 Data
Eli Lilly has announced positive Phase 3 results for retatrutide, positioning the triple-agonist drug for an FDA filing in 2027 with substantial weight loss outcomes.
7 min read
Beyond BMI: Hidden Health Reasons Doctors May Decline Mounjaro or Wegovy
While BMI is a primary factor, a range of underlying health conditions and personal histories can lead to a doctor declining a prescription for popular weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy. Understanding these criteria is vital before seeking treatment.
7 min read
Beyond BMI: Why Mounjaro Eligibility is More Complex Than You Think
Many assume BMI is the sole determinant for Mounjaro prescriptions, but the reality is far more nuanced. This article explores the comprehensive health criteria healthcare providers use to ensure safe and effective treatment.
6 min read