📊 Did You Know?
As of 2024, 33% of US adults are obese (BMI ≥ 30) and 31.6% are overweight. Colorado has the lowest obesity rate at ~22%; West Virginia has the highest at ~41.4%. (CDC BRFSS, 2024)
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter height and weight (choose units if available).
- Read your BMI number and category.
- Use BMI as a trend line over time, not a single-day judgment.
The Formula Explained
BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)^2The formula scales weight by height squared, which makes BMI comparable across different heights. Because it uses only two inputs, it’s simple—but also limited.
Tips & What Your Results Mean
BMI is best used as a screening tool. If your BMI category changes over months, that’s a meaningful signal that your weight relative to height is trending. Day-to-day fluctuations are often water and glycogen.
If you lift weights or have high muscle mass, BMI can overestimate risk. In that case, consider tracking waist circumference or body fat percentage estimates. Your goal is health outcomes and performance, not a single number.
If BMI is rising and you want to reverse the trend, start with the basics: consistent steps, strength training, and improving diet quality. A moderate calorie deficit and high-protein meals often help preserve lean mass while losing fat.
If you have medical conditions or a history of disordered eating, BMI can be triggering or misleading. In that case, prioritize clinician guidance and broader health markers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percent of US adults are obese?
As of 2024, about 33% of US adults are obese (BMI ≥ 30) and about 31.6% are overweight. (CDC BRFSS, 2024)
What is a healthy BMI range?
For many adults, 18.5–24.9 is considered the “normal” range. Under 18.5 is underweight, 25–29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese. These are screening categories, not diagnoses.
Is BMI accurate for athletes?
BMI does not distinguish muscle from fat. Very muscular people can have high BMI with low body fat. Use BMI as one signal and consider waist measurements, fitness, and clinical markers too.
Does BMI work for children?
Children and teens use age- and sex-specific BMI percentiles. This page is designed for adult BMI categories and general screening.
What states have the lowest and highest obesity rates?
Colorado is often cited as among the lowest (~22%), while West Virginia is among the highest (~41.4%). (CDC BRFSS, 2024)