1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Eating Disorders

Body Mass Index (BMI)

By Matthew Tiemeyer, About.com

Created: September 23, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: This number is computed based on a person's height and weight; it represents a measure of total body fat. A Body Mass Index ranging from 18.6 to 24.9 is considered normal. A Body Mass Index of 18.5 or below suggests that the person is underweight. Body Mass Index values ranging from 25 to 29.9 suggest that the person is overweight. With a Body Mass Index of 30 or more, the person is considered obese.
Also Known As: BMI
Examples: Despite a Body Mass Index of 16.4, Bethany believed that she needed to lose more weight.
Explore Eating Disorders
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Eating Disorders
  4. Eating Disorders 101
  5. Glossary
  6. Body Mass Index (BMI)

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.