BMI Chart by Age and Gender – Healthy Ranges Explained
BMI Chart by Age and Gender – Complete Guide
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple way to estimate whether your weight is in a healthy range. But BMI can vary depending on age and gender.
This article provides clear BMI charts for men, women, children, and teens, so you can understand what’s considered healthy for your group.
👉 For a quick personal result, try our Free BMI Calculator.
📊 BMI Chart for Adults (Men & Women)
For adults (20 years and older), BMI categories are the same for both men and women:
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| <18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal |
| 25–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30+ | Obese |
✅ Healthy BMI for adults: 18.5–24.9
👨 BMI in Men
- Men often have more muscle mass, which can affect BMI.
- Some athletes may appear “overweight” by BMI, even if fit.
- Still, the healthy BMI range remains 18.5–24.9.
👩 BMI in Women
- Women naturally have a higher body fat percentage.
- Despite this, BMI ranges are the same: 18.5–24.9 is considered healthy.
- Women with BMI slightly above 24.9 may still be within a healthy fat range if active.
🧒 BMI for Children & Teens (2–19 years)
For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific, measured in percentiles.
| Percentile | Category |
|---|---|
| <5th | Underweight |
| 5th–84th | Healthy weight |
| 85th–94th | Overweight |
| 95th+ | Obese |
Example: A 14-year-old boy with a BMI in the 90th percentile is considered overweight.
👴 BMI in Seniors (65+)
- Slightly higher BMI (around 23–29) may still be considered healthy.
- This is due to natural muscle loss with age.
- Doctors often use BMI alongside other measures for seniors.
⚠️ Limitations of BMI by Age & Gender
- Doesn’t account for body fat vs muscle.
- Doesn’t reflect fat distribution (waist vs hips).
- Should be used with other health indicators.
❓ FAQs About BMI Charts
Q: Does BMI change with age?
A: Yes, BMI interpretation differs for children, teens, and seniors.
Q: Is BMI different for men and women?
A: The ranges are the same, but body composition differences can affect interpretation.
Q: What is a healthy BMI for a 40-year-old?
A: Still 18.5–24.9, as adult BMI ranges are universal.
✅ Conclusion
BMI charts help you quickly see if your weight is in a healthy range for your age and gender.
👉 Use our BMI Calculator to instantly check your BMI and compare it to the charts above.