What Is a Good BMI? Ranges, Charts & What Doctors Say
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal for adults. But what counts as 'good' varies by age, sex, and ethnicity.
Standard BMI Ranges
| BMI | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Increased nutritional risk |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest risk |
| 25.0–29.9 | Overweight | Mildly increased |
| 30.0–34.9 | Obese Class I | Moderate |
| 35.0+ | Obese Class II/III | High to very high |
What Is 'Good'?
For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is associated with the lowest risk of weight-related conditions.
A BMI of 21–23 is often cited in research as optimal for population averages — but it is not a personal prescription.
When BMI Is Misleading
- Athletes: High muscle mass raises BMI without raising health risk.
- Ethnicity: Asian populations may face greater risk at lower BMI values — WHO suggests 23 as an alternative threshold.
- Age: Some guidelines suggest 22–27 may be protective for adults over 65.
Calculate your exact BMI and see which category you fall into.
BMI Calculator →