Body mass index (BMI) is the ratio of your height to your weight. This is used to determine health risks due to your weight. The higher your BMI, the higher are your health risks. Median body mass index refers to the middle range of BMIs. This may vary by gender and age. Some people, like athletes, are very muscular and weigh more because of muscle mass, not because of fat. For these people, BMI may not be the most accurate measurement of health.
Median for Women
The median BMI for women varies by age. For women ages 20 through 29, the median BMI is 24.4. Women age 30 to 39 have an median BMI of 26.4. Women aged 40-49 have an median BMI of 27.8. Those 50-59 years old have a median BMI of 28.4. The median BMI for women ages 60-69 is 27.5.
Median for Men
The median BMI for men also varies by age. For men aged 20 to 29, the median BMI is 24.5. Men aged 30-39 have a median BMI of 25.9. The median for men aged 40 to 49 is 26.8. Men aged 50 to 59 have a median BMI of 27.2. The median BMI for men aged 60 through 69 is 27.
Ideal Body Mass Index
Generally speaking, a BMI under 25 is considered to be healthy. The range for a normal body mass index is 18.5 to 24.9. If your body mass index falls within this range, your weight is considered to be healthy.
Low Body Mass Index
A low body mass index is considered to be 18.4 and below. Someone with a body mass index under 18.4 is considered to be underweight. A body mass index under 17.5 is considered to be anorexic.
High Body Mass Index
Any body mass index reading between 25 and 29.9 is considered to be overweight. However, there is also another category for high body mass indexes, which is the obesity category. People with a body mass index of 30 through 39.9 are considered to be obese. People with body mass indexes over 40 are considered to be extremely obese.
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