The BMI formula is the same for both adult men and women. In fact, one study from the Journal of Pediatrics found that pediatricians that utilized BMI charting had a greater recognition of weight problems in children compared to using height and weight charting alone. Categories for Children Ages 2-19 Body mass index weight categories for children ages 2-19 defined by the CDC Weight CategoryīMI charting in kids is a useful way to recognize disruptions in a child’s growth. These percentiles are determined using data collected from surveys of children from the U.S. These BMI charts can be accessed through the CDC website (boys and girls ).īody mass index for-age growth charts from the CDC take into account these differences and show BMI as a percentile ranking rather than falling into underweight, normal weight, or obese categories. However, a 15-year-old boy with a BMI of 20 would fall between the 25th and 50th percentile and would be considered to be a healthy weight. This is because body fat norms change with age and also differs between young boys and girls based on hormonal fluctuation.Īs an example, a 7-year-old boy with a BMI of 20 would fall into the greater than 95th percentile and would be considered obese. However, in young children and teenagers, it’s age and sex-specific.

While the same formula is used, the value is interpreted differently than an adult body mass index.įor adults, BMI categories are the same regardless of age or sex. These extremely high numbers are less likely due to increased lean muscle mass.īMI can also be used for young children and adolescents. For instance, a person with a BMI above 35 or 40 is more likely obese. The BMI tends to be a better predictor of body fat in individuals with higher levels of BMI. Therefore, you have to take into account individual circumstances when using body mass index calculations. However, this is due to increased lean muscle mass and not fat mass (or adiposity).Ĭalculating their BMI would give a false impression that they are overweight or obese. įor instance, bodybuilders and athletes may have a higher body weight. As with all health calculations, it is an estimate and has limitations. In addition, it does not directly measure body fat. Since it only takes height and weight into consideration, it is not the perfect model for all individuals. While the BMI formula is a quick way to estimate health status and disease risk, it is not without fault. These diseases all subsequently increase morbidity and premature death.īMI Chart Body mass index weight categories defined by the World Health Organization and the CDC Weight Category These ranges for BMI are based on the fact that excess body fat and obesity increases the risk of chronic diseases and premature death.įor example, being overweight or obese significantly increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes in both men and women. Obesity can further be broken down into class 1, class 2, and class 3 (or severe) obesity.

These categories are: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Studies have found that BMI is correlated with body fat and disease risk therefore, BMI ranges are broken down into categories to estimate your nutritional status. Once you calculate your BMI, you can then see where this falls on a body mass index chart such as the one below.

Bmi index calculator women