BMI for Women: Healthy Ranges, Charts & What the Numbers Mean
The healthy BMI range of 18.5-24.9 applies to women, but women naturally have higher body fat at the same BMI as men. Here's what that means for health.
BMI Ranges for Women
| BMI | Category | Health Association |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Increased risk of bone loss |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest disease risk |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight | Mildly elevated risk |
| 30.0+ | Obese | Moderate to high risk |
Women Have Higher Body Fat at the Same BMI
At the same BMI, women typically have 8-10% more body fat than men. This is normal — driven by hormonal differences and biological need for fat reserves.
A woman with BMI 22 might have 25-28% body fat. A man at BMI 22 might have 15-18%. Both can be entirely healthy.
BMI by Height — Women
| Height | Underweight | Normal Weight | Overweight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" | Below 95 lbs | 95-127 lbs | 128-153 lbs |
| 5'4" | Below 108 lbs | 108-145 lbs | 146-174 lbs |
| 5'6" | Below 115 lbs | 115-154 lbs | 155-185 lbs |
| 5'8" | Below 122 lbs | 122-163 lbs | 164-196 lbs |
Better Measures Alongside BMI
- Waist circumference: Above 35 inches (88cm) for women signals higher cardiovascular risk.
- Body fat percentage: 20-30% is generally healthy for women; above 32% increases risk.
Calculate your BMI and see your category instantly.
BMI Calculator →