BMI across different age groups: Interpreting results

In interpreting your BMI value, you must consider your age group. There are three distinct age groups that affect the interpretation of a BMI value: children, adults, and seniors.

It’s important to consider age group when interpreting a BMI result.

BMI in children

Body mass index (BMI) for children and teens is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age. The BMI percentile-ranges for children are as follows:

  • Underweight: Less than the 5th percentile
  • Healthy Weight: 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile
  • Overweight: 85th percentile to less than the 95th percentile
  • Obesity: 95th percentile or greater

BMI in adults

For adults, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories:

  • Underweight: Below 18.5
  • Normal or healthy weight: 18.5-24.9
  • Overweight: 25-29.9
  • Obese: 30 and above

BMI in seniors

The interpretation of BMI for seniors is slightly different. According to the National Institutes of Health, it may be better for seniors to have a BMI of 25 to 27. Some research suggests that a healthy BMI range for seniors is between 23 and 33.

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