The body mass index (BMI) chart helps determine obesity levels in both women and men.
Healthcare providers also use it to determine whether their patients are at a healthy weight.
A Note on BMI
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
This system is designed to get a general read of someones disease risk based on how much they weigh.
BMI Chart Limitations
The BMI chart is not a one-size-fits-all measure for all women.
Differences in genetics can cause the reading to be faulty when determining someonesoverall level of health.
Another disparity is body composition.
Age is also not factored into traditional BMI calculations.
BMI and Pregnancy
Weight gain during pregnancy is also considered when determining a persons healthy BMI.
However, the BMI chart does not take this measurement into account.
The WHR considers where a person stores fat, which is vital in determining disease risk.
In some studies, the WHR was shown to be a better indicator of health than BMI.
Check with your healthcare provider about your weight goals and how they relate to other health markers.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Association.Body mass index table 2.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Body mass index table 1.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Calculating BMI using the English system.
2021;12(3):243-264. doi:10.1007/s13167-021-00251-4
American Heart Association.Common misconceptions about cholesterol.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Weight Gain During Pregnancy.
World Health Organization.Waist circumference and waist-hip ratio report of a WHO expert consultation.
UK National Health Service.Tips to help you lose weight.
