Overweight BMI
A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is classified as overweight by the WHO. This range is associated with moderately increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers compared to normal weight. However, 'overweight' by BMI isn't always unhealthy — muscular individuals, older adults, and metabolically healthy people may fall in this range without elevated risk. Check your BMI below and understand what the number means in context.
BMI Calculator
Enter your height and weight to calculate your Body Mass Index.
BMI Categories
WHO classification of Body Mass Index ranges.
| Category | BMI Range | Status |
|---|---|---|
Underweight | < 18.5 | May indicate nutritional deficiency |
Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 | Lowest health risk |
Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | Moderate increased risk |
Obese I | 30 – 34.9 | High risk |
Obese II | 35 – 39.9 | Very high risk |
Obese III | 40+ | Extremely high risk |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What BMI is considered overweight?
- A BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is classified as overweight. Below 25 is normal weight; 30 and above is obese. The threshold of 25 was established by the WHO based on population-level epidemiological data linking this range to increased chronic disease risk.
- Is being slightly overweight dangerous?
- Not necessarily. Some large studies (Flegal et al., 2013) found that people in the overweight range (BMI 25–30) actually had slightly lower mortality than those in the normal range — the 'overweight paradox.' The risk depends on where you carry the weight (visceral vs. subcutaneous fat), your metabolic markers, and activity level.
- How much weight do I need to lose to reach normal BMI?
- The calculator shows how far you are from the healthy range. As a rule of thumb: for every 1 BMI point, you need to lose approximately 3 kg (6.6 lbs) for average height. A person with BMI 28 at 175 cm would need to lose about 9 kg to reach BMI 25.
Medical disclaimer: BMI is a screening tool, not a medical diagnosis. It does not measure body fat directly and does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, sex, or ethnicity. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized health advice.
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