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BMI is determined by your weight in kg divided by your (height in metres).
It is designed for men and women over the age of 18.
A healthy BMI is between 20 and 25. A result below 20 indicates that you may be underweight; a figure above 25 indicates that you may be overweight. | BMI | What your BMI result indicates | | Less than 19 | UNDERWEIGHT
You are under optimum weight for your height. You could afford to gain a little weight. | | 20 - 25 | ACCEPTABLE
You have a healthy weight for your height. | | 26 - 30 | OVERWEIGHT
You are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health problems, so losing some weight would be a good idea. | | 31 + | OBESE
You are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health risks, so see your doctor to help you achieve a healthier weight. | These BMI measures are not suitable for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose healthy BMI range may be lower than that for Australians of European descent. This is due to their ancestry as traditional hunter-gatherers who were lean and physically fit.
Similarly, for Asian people cut-off points for health risks appear to be lower than for other Australians. Always check with your doctor if you are concerned about your weight.
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