We have detected that you are located in . Do you want to switch to the local site?
Being underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or that you may be ill.
If you're underweight, contact your general practitioner for further evaluation.
The medical community recommends that you keep your weight within this range.
People who fall into this category may be at risk of developing
obesity. They might also be at risk of developing other health
problems, or that their current health problems may worsen. The
recommendation is to consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity
management.
There are two recommendations for people who fall into the pre-obesity category, which are recommended by European23 and American24 clinical guidelines for obesity management in adults.
The recommendation for people with a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 who do not have weight-related health problems (i.e. high blood pressure or high cholesterol) is to prevent further weight gain through healthy eating and increased physical activity.23
For people with a BMI between 27 and 29.0, who also have weight-related health problems, the recommendation is to lose weight by combining lifestyle interventions and anti-obesity medications to achieve weight loss and improve health and quality of life.23,24
People with a BMI of 30 or above may have obesity, which is defined
as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat25 that may
harm health. Today, a number of health organisations recognise obesity
as a chronic, but manageable disease.23
The World Health Organisation and other health organisations distinguish three classes of obesity:
Obesity Classification BMI
Class I 30.0–34.9
Class II 35.0–39.9
Class III Above 40
The BMI ranges are based on the effect that excessive body fat has on individuals’ health, life expectancy and risk of developing diseases. As BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.26
It’s recommended that people with a BMI of 30 or above consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and weight-related health complications.
The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose weight, but instead to improve health and lower the risks of other health complications. Even losing as little as five percent of body weight – and maintaining this weight loss – can improve overall wellbeing, while also reducing the risk of weight-related complications.27
There’s a range of scientifically proven treatment options for obesity that may be recommended depending on individual needs, health status and the presence or absence of weight-related complications. Treatment may include a combination of the following options*:
* Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any questions regarding your health, you should contact your general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.
People with a BMI of 30 or above may have obesity, which is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat25 that may harm health. Today, a number of health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.23
The World Health Organisation and other health organisations distinguish three classes of obesity:
Obesity Classification BMI
Class I 30.0–34.9
Class II 35.0–39.9
Class III Above 40
The BMI ranges are based on the effect that excessive body fat has on individuals’ health, life expectancy and risk of developing diseases. As BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.26
It’s recommended that people with a BMI of 30 or above consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and weight-related health complications.
The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose weight, but instead to improve health and lower the risks of other health complications. Even losing as little as five percent of body weight – and maintaining this weight loss – can improve overall wellbeing, while also reducing the risk of weight-related complications.27
There’s a range of scientifically proven treatment options for obesity that may be recommended depending on individual needs, health status and the presence or absence of weight-related complications. Treatment may include a combination of the following options*:
* Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any questions regarding your health, you should contact your general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.
People with a BMI of 30 or above may have obesity, which is defined as an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat25 that may harm health. Today, a number of health organisations recognise obesity as a chronic, but manageable disease.23
The World Health Organisation and other health organisations distinguish three classes of obesity:
Obesity Classification BMI
Class I 30.0–34.9
Class II 35.0–39.9
Class II Above 40
The BMI ranges are based on the effect that excessive body fat has on individuals’ health, life expectancy and risk of developing diseases; as BMI increases, so does the risk for some diseases.26
It’s recommended that people with a BMI of 30 or above consult a healthcare provider trained in obesity management for diagnosis, risk assessment and treatment of obesity and weight-related health complications.
The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose weight, but instead to improve health and lower the risks of other health complications. Even losing as little as five percent of body weight – and maintaining this weight loss – can improve overall wellbeing, while also reducing the risk of weight-related complications.27
There’s a range of scientifically proven treatment options for obesity that may be recommended depending on individual needs, health status and the presence or absence of weight-related complications. Treatment may include a combination of the following options*:
* Disclaimer: This information is not a substitute for the advice of a healthcare provider. If you have any questions regarding your health, you should contact your general practitioner or another qualified healthcare provider.
The BMI calculator divides your weight in kg by square of height in
meters. See where your result fits among the BMI classes below. Click
on a BMI class to learn more.
Classification |
BMI is expressed in kg/m2 |
Below 18.5 | |
18.5-24.9 | |
25.0-29.9 | |
30 and above | |
30.0-34.9 | |
35.0-39.9 | |
| 40 and above |
*This BMI calculator is for adults 20 years or older. Talk to your doctor about your BMI if you're under the age of 20.
BMI is a good way to check your risk of diseases related to body fat. Living with overweight or obesity is associated with other diseases and an increased mortality risk.1 Generally, the higher your BMI, the greater the risk of developing other chronic obesity-related diseases, including:
Ask your doctor for more information about any of these diseases and how they relate to your BMI.
BMI is a simple and objective measurement, but it can be misleading in certain cases and for some groups of people. Research has shown that BMI is less accurate in predicting the risk of disease in older people, athletes, those who are tall or short, and those with more muscular body types. For example, elite athletes or bodybuilders have more muscle and weigh more, which makes their BMI higher.
BMI ranges vary across different regions and populations. For example, the cut-off ranges for Indian and Japanese populations differ to those for western populations.
BMI also doesn't take into account:
It's important to remember that living with obesity doesn't necessarily mean you're unhealthy, just as being at a ‘normal’ weight doesn't necessarily mean you're healthy. Your BMI doesn't define you – but understanding your BMI can be a useful tool for taking charge of your health.
Regardless of your BMI, healthcare professionals recommend a healthy diet and lifestyle. Talk to your doctor about your weight and evaluate what actions may be needed.
HQ23DI00020
