How is BMI calculated?

Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. In US units: weight in pounds times 703, divided by height in inches squared.

What is a healthy BMI?

18.5 to 24.9 is the healthy-weight band for adults. 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 and above is obesity, split into classes 1, 2 and 3 at 30, 35 and 40.

It's a screening number. It can't tell muscle from fat, so very muscular people read high and people with little muscle can read normal while carrying a lot of fat. Waist circumference and bloodwork give a doctor a fuller picture.

Does BMI matter for GLP-1 medication?

Prescribers typically look for a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition. The doctor who reviews your intake makes the call on your full history, not the number alone.

Free tools

BMI calculator

Body mass index is your weight divided by your height squared. It's a screening number, not a diagnosis, and it says nothing about muscle or where you carry weight. It is still the figure doctors and insurers use first, so it's worth knowing yours.

Height

Weight

Your BMI

28.3

Overweight. For your height, the healthy-weight band runs from 111 lb to 150 lb.

BMI doesn't separate muscle from fat, and the cut-offs were set on population averages. If you lift weights or carry weight mainly around the middle, it can under- or overstate things. Waist size and bloodwork tell a doctor more.

If the number is higher than you'd like

Weight gets harder to move after 40 even when nothing else changed. GLP-1 medication is the prescription option, from $129 a month, and the price stays the same at every dose.

See GLP-1 weight loss

Free doctor review, usually within 24 hours. You're not charged unless they write the prescription.

Common questions

How is BMI calculated?: Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. In US units: weight in pounds times 703, divided by height in inches squared.
What is a healthy BMI?: 18.5 to 24.9 is the healthy-weight band for adults. 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 and above is obesity, split into classes 1, 2 and 3 at 30, 35 and 40.
Is BMI accurate?: It's a screening number. It can't tell muscle from fat, so very muscular people read high and people with little muscle can read normal while carrying a lot of fat. Waist circumference and bloodwork give a doctor a fuller picture.
Does BMI matter for GLP-1 medication?: Prescribers typically look for a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition. The doctor who reviews your intake makes the call on your full history, not the number alone.

More tools

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These calculators give estimates from standard formulas for healthy adults. They are not medical advice and don't account for pregnancy, medical conditions or medications. Decisions about treatment are made by the licensed providers in our network.