BMI Table for Adults
| Classification |
BMI range - kg/m2 |
| Severe Thinness |
< 16 |
| Moderate Thinness |
16 - 17 |
| Mild Thinness |
17 - 18.5 |
| Normal |
18.5 - 25 |
| Overweight |
25 - 30 |
| Obese Class I |
30 - 35 |
| Obese Class II |
35 - 40 |
| Obese Class III |
> 40 |
Overweight Risks
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes
- Greater risk of hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Increased risk of stroke
- Greater likelihood of developing certain types of cancer
- Increased risk of developing osteoarthritis
Underweight Risks
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures
- Fertility issues, particularly in women
- Anemia and nutrient deficiencies
- Muscle weakness
- Developmental issues, especially in children and teenagers
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful tool for assessing general body weight categories, it has several limitations:
- Does not account for muscle mass: People with high muscle mass may be classified as overweight or obese even if they have low body fat.
- Does not differentiate between fat and lean body mass: BMI does not consider the difference between fat mass and lean body mass.
- Does not account for body fat distribution: The distribution of fat, such as visceral fat around the abdomen, can have different health implications than fat in other areas.
- Does not consider age, gender, or ethnicity: These factors can influence body composition and health risks associated with certain BMI ranges.
- May not accurately reflect health status for all individuals: Athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with specific medical conditions may not fit neatly into BMI categories.