BMI Categories Explained

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool based on height and weight. It does not diagnose body fat or health by itself, but it helps flag when to talk to a clinician. Under 18.5: underweight 18.5–24.9: normal 25–29.9: overweight 30 and above: obese ### Limitations Athletes with

Published June 8, 2026

This article is part of our BMI Calculator guide series.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a screening tool based on height and weight. It does not diagnose body fat or health by itself, but it helps flag when to talk to a clinician.

Adult BMI ranges

Under 18.5: underweight 18.5–24.9: normal 25–29.9: overweight 30 and above: obese

Limitations

Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI without excess fat.