Learn about Obesity

Measuring My Weight

Many forms of measurement are used to assess obesity, with the most common one being Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared, following the formula BMI = kg/m2. 

When measuring your weight, it’s important to remember that there is no perfect method for evaluating your weight status. Calculating your BMI does not replace clinical judgment. If you have any questions or concerns about your weight, you should discuss them with a healthcare provider.

Below, you will find a BMI calculator that you can use to determine your BMI and a weight chart to determine your weight status category. Please enter your correct information for an accurate classification.

Please note: The body mass index (weight in kg/height in meters²) is used to screen for obesity, but it does not displace clinical judgment. BMI is not a measure of body fat. Social determinants, race, ethnicity, and age may modify the risk associated with a given BMI. Please talk with your healthcare provider about understanding BMI.

BMI Calculator

Ready to calculate your BMI? Perfect, simply enter your height in inches and your weight in the below boxes.

Your BMI Result:

Underweight
< 18.5
Normal
18.5 – 24.9
Overweight
25 – 29.9
Affected by Obesity
30 – 39.9
Affected by Severe Obesity
> 40

Normal, Overweight – What Does It All Mean?
Now that you know your BMI, you’re probably wondering what it all means. After calculating your BMI, you either fell into one of five weight categories (underweight, normal, overweight, affected by obesity or affected by severe obesity). Below, you will find some definitions of the different weight status categories and what they mean to your health. Let’s take a moment and go through them.

Underweight
If you calculated your BMI and your result puts you in the “underweight” category, it is important that you share this information with a healthcare professional. Quite often, people may think that it’s healthy to be underweight; however, this is not true. You want to make sure that your body is getting the daily requirements of nutrients and vitamins to function at a healthy status.

Normal
Having a “normal” BMI score means that your body weight based on mass and height is what the Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers normal. At this category, you may not be experiencing any weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, but it is important to maintain your weight and routinely check your BMI. As we age, our bodies change and our metabolisms slow down; therefore, you may gain weight in the future and this could impact your health.

Overweight
Having a BMI of 25-29.9 puts you in the “overweight” weight category. In this category, you may notice physical changes in your body such as clothes feeling tighter or even feeling more tired after a day of work. Weight-related health conditions such as diabetes could also be a threat at this point. It is important for you to talk to a healthcare professional about your weight and find the best weight-loss plan for your situation.

Affected by Obesity
The clinical definition for obesity is, “Obesity is classified as having a BMI of 30 or greater.” Today, more than 72 million Americans are affected by obesity. Obesity increases your risk of developing related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc. Even though short and sweet, the definition itself is on target. By being affected by obesity you are putting your health at great risk. It is very important for you to see a healthcare professional and discuss your weight. A long term weight-loss program, including behavioral changes, may be necessary to get back down to a healthy weight.

Affected by Severe Obesity
Being affected by severe obesity means having a BMI greater than 40 or being more than 100 pounds overweight. More than 9 million Americans are affected by severe obesity. Quite often, people who are affected by severe obesity actually think they’re “affected by obesity” until they calculate their BMI appropriately. Being affected by severe obesity puts you at a very high risk of weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and more. Please consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to decide which weight-loss method will best fit your lifestyle and needs.

What Next?
If you calculated your BMI and you’re BMI was above the “Normal” weight category, we encourage you to take the Your Weight Matters Campaign Challenge. Talking to a doctor about your weight isn't easy, but the Campaign is here to help you prepare for this important conversation. All you need to do is take the Your Weight Matters Campaign Challenge!