Normal BMI ranges are from 18.5 to 24.9.
Body mass index, or BMI, is one of the most commonly used methods to determine whether or not an individual falls within a healthy weight range. If a person falls above or below the normal range, she may be at a higher risk of health complications.
Body Mass Index
BMI is a measurement that comes from a simple weight-to-height ratio. It is calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. It is sufficient in establishing guidelines for body mass and size, but this method is not accurate in predicting body fat, bone or muscle mass, as it is not able to distinguish between each. This is important to note because muscle weighs a lot more than fat because it is so much more dense.
Normal BMI Range
A normal BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9. This is the same scale for both males and females. An underweight BMI is anything less than 18.5, and overweight is anything between 25 to 29.9. Obesity is anything over 30.
Health Factors
Having a healthy weight is imperative to staying healthy. Persons with a low BMI are likely at risk for eating disorders and complications that may result, whereas those with a high BMI are at a higher risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, reduced life expectancy and potential early death.
Tags: healthy weight, higher risk
