The Average BMI in the USA

Last Updated: Jun 26, 2015 | By William McCoy

William McCoy

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.

The Average BMI in the USA — A woman is measuring her waist. Photo Credit YunYulia/iStock/Getty Images

A startling percentage of adults in the United States struggle with their weight. According to 2010 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 69.2 percent of Americans over the age of 20 were either overweight or obese. Although having a muscular build can lead to a high BMI, it may indicate that you are overweight or obese.

CDC data from 2007 to 2010 reports that adult men in the U.S., on average, have a BMI of 28.6. Adult women have an average BMI of 28.7. This BMI indicates the average adult male and female are overweight, but not obese. To be considered obese, your BMI must be 30 or above. A man with a BMI of 28.6 could stand 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weigh 194 pounds. A woman with a BMI of 28.7 could be 5 feet, 5 inches tall with a weight of 172.5 pounds.