A healthy weight for adults is usually when your BMI calculator and compare your BMI with the following table. You can also download the BMI calculator app for iPhone and Android.(link is external).
(BMI) is between 18.5 and 24.9. To figure out your BMI, use the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s online
Always talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about what BMI is right for you. Talk to your child’s doctor to determine if your growing child is a healthy weight, because his or her BMI should be compared to growth charts specific for your child’s age and sex. Following a heart-healthy eating plan and being physically active are some ways to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. For more information, visit Aim for a Healthy Weight.
Learn about the health risks of being overweight or obese, and the health benefits of maintaining a healthy weight.
Health risks of being overweight or obese
The more body fat that you have and the more you weigh, the more likely you are to develop coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, and certain cancers. Visit our Overweight and Obesity Health Topic for more information.
Measuring waist circumference
If you are overweight or obese, your doctor may measure your waist circumference to help determine your risk of developing other health conditions. To correctly measure your waist circumference, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out.
If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you’re at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This risk may be high with a waist circumference that is more than 35 inches for women or more than 40 inches for men.
Benefits of maintaining a healthy weight
If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight. A loss of just 3 to 5 percent of your current weight can lower triglycerides and glucose levels in your blood, as well as your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A 3 to 5 percent weight loss also can improve blood pressure readings, lower bad LDL cholesterol, and increase good
.