The body mass index (BMI for short) is a guideline that evaluates a person's body weight in relation to their height. The question often arises: is my own weight a normal weight – what is the normal BMI actually?
To determine and classify your personal BMI, there is the BMI calculator and the corresponding BMI tables, specifically divided into gender and age groups.
By calculating the BMI value, it can be estimated whether the body weight is within a healthy range, or whether there is a risk of being underweight or overweight.
What exactly is the BMI (body mass index) table?
Those who want to lose weight usually take a look at the BMI table. The BMI values are used to assess body weight, which is basically determined from the ratio of body weight to height.
The values are assigned to different categories, from underweight to severely overweight. Using the BMI table, you can therefore estimate whether your body weight is within a healthy range.
A classification into underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity (severe overweight/obesity) also exists according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). In the case of obesity, a distinction is made – depending on the weight class – between three degrees:
- Obesity grade i: from BMI 30
- Obesity grade ii: from BMI 35
- Obesity grade iii : from BMI 40
The German Nutrition Society also divides obesity into these different categories, although there are minimal (name) differences in the exact classification.
How do I calculate my BMI?
To calculate your BMI, you need your current body weight and your exact height. Then insert these two values into the BMI formula: BMI = body weight in kg / (height in m)².
If a man weighs 80 kg and is 1.75 m tall, his BMI is 26.1 and is therefore within the normal range.
You can also use the BMI calculator to determine your personal BMI.
What is the ideal BMI?
Physical differences between men and women must be taken into account when calculating BMI in order to assess body weight correctly.
BMI table – What is the ideal BMI for women?
What is a normal BMI? Anyone who is struggling with their weight or is trying to achieve their personal ideal weight wants to know where they stand.
The optimal BMI for women is between 19 kg/m² and 24 kg/m². Values below 19 kg/m² indicate underweight, while values above 24 kg/m² indicate overweight.
What is a good BMI for men?
Due to the tendency towards higher muscle mass in men, the normal range of the BMI value is also slightly higher in this case.
A man with a BMI between 20 kg/m² and 25 kg/m² has an optimal body weight – in other words, an ideal BMI!
Here, too, values above or below the normal limits indicate underweight or overweight.
The BMI table for different age groups
If the BMI is determined in the case of senior citizens, it is set higher because smaller fat reserves in the body are an advantage with increasing age. If you become ill, your body has more energy stores and stamina.
For this reason, it is even recommended to have a little more weight in old age. For those over 65 years of age, the normal BMI range is between 24 kg/m² and 29 kg/m², which is significantly higher. More details can be found at BMI for women aged 60 and over.
Since children and adolescents are still growing and their height and weight do not always develop continuously, there is a separate BMI table for this age group.
The BMI table for adults should not be used as a benchmark for children and adolescents, but at best as a rough estimate. If there is any uncertainty about a child's weight, you should always consult your pediatrician to be on the safe side. For children, the so-called percentiles are used to determine the weight status.
BMI calculator for children - find out more!
What does the BMI show?
In principle, the BMI provides information about whether your weight is within a healthy range. If it is significantly too low, the reason for this may be an illness such as anorexia. If your BMI is significantly higher, you are overweight, which is divided into different stages.
In both cases, a doctor must be consulted. Based on the BMI, the individual basal and active metabolic rate can be calculated, which is needed to create training plans or nutrition programs.
The BMI is determined very quickly, but never includes all given circumstances. What if an athlete trains hard and has a high muscle mass? Depending on their constitution and training status, everyone has an individual body mass. The body composition (muscle mass, body fat percentage) must always be taken into account as well. For example, someone with a lot of muscle mass can have a high BMI without actually being overweight.
What the BMI does not do is provide information about the distribution of body fat. Abdominal fat, in particular, is considered much less healthy than fat in other parts of the body. So it often makes sense to also use a measuring tape to determine the waist size of someone with an elevated BMI.
In such cases, the BMI can be distorted by the weight. For this reason, the BMI for athletes, both male and female, should not be overrated, but rather considered a practical and rough guide.
Can a healthy diet help normalize the BMI?
A balanced and healthy diet is crucial to normalize weight and thus the BMI. This is especially true for people with an elevated BMI. Do you know your calorie needs?
A healthy diet with lots of protein, nutrients, and fiber gives the body energy and supports the metabolism. And it starts with breakfast!
A crunchy muesli bar with granola or a warm porridge with cranberries and cranberry juice gives the body everything it needs for the day.
Overnight oats with oat flakes, berries and cashew nuts or other nuts provide energy and sufficient dietary fiber. There are numerous ways to enjoy a delicious and healthy breakfast.
Our breakfast range includes a wide selection of low-carb and low-sugar products with plenty of protein. Whether you're looking for vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free options or the ideal breakfast for children, you'll find everything you need for the perfect start to the morning!
Healthy eating for the whole family – find out more!
Frequently asked questions
What BMI at what age?
19 - 24 years BMI 19 - 24. 25 - 34 years BMI 20 - 25. 35 - 44 years BMI 21 - 26. 45 - 54 years BMI 22 - 27. 55 - 65 years BMI 23 - 28. Older than 65 years BMI 24 - 29 . These values are intended as guidelines. Body composition and training status should always be taken into account as well.
What BMI at what age for women?
Here is an overview of the BMI classification for women aged 16 and up: 16-24 years: 19-24; 25-34 years: 20-25; 35-44 years: 21-26; 45-54 years: 22-27; 55-64 years: 23-28; 65 years and older: 25-30;
What is a normal BMI?
The optimal BMI for women is between 19 kg/m² and 24 kg/m². Values below 19 kg/m² indicate underweight, while values above 24 kg/m² indicate overweight. Due to the tendency for men to have more muscle mass, the normal range of BMI values is also slightly higher for them. Men with a BMI between 20 kg/m² and 25 kg/m² have an optimal body weight – in other words, they have an ideal BMI! Here, too, values above or below the normal limits indicate underweight or overweight. However, it is also important to take age and other factors into account.
What is the ideal weight for different heights and ages?
19 - 24 years BMI 19 - 24. 25 - 34 years BMI 20 - 25. 35 - 44 years BMI 21 - 26. 45 - 54 years BMI 22 - 27. 55 - 65 years BMI 23 - 28. Older than 65 years BMI 24 - 29 . These values are guidelines. Body composition and training status should always be taken into account as well. With increasing age, it is good if the BMI is slightly higher, so that you have some weight reserves in case of illness. Otherwise, older people often quickly end up underweight when they are ill.
What should someone who is 1.65 m tall weigh?
Here, it is also important to distinguish whether you are a man or a woman: for a 1.65 m tall woman, the BMI provides 65 kg as a normal weight. For a man, the weight is about 2-3 kilos higher. Furthermore, age and body fat distribution also play a role.
What weight should a 168 cm tall woman be?
The weight of a healthy middle-aged woman should be between 52.2 kg and 70.5 kg. This is the range of normal weight. Above and below this is the range of overweight and underweight, respectively.
Is BMI dependent on age?
Age is extremely relevant when it comes to weight, as the normal weight shifts with age. From around the age of 40, the body's metabolism changes and the body composition becomes different. This means that, due to the metabolism, people often gain weight with age and the recommended BMI also shifts somewhat. Of course, there are also people who lose weight with age. There are also illnesses (Parkinson's, diabetes,...) that have a particular effect on metabolism and thus also on weight. All this must be taken into account.
How much should a woman weigh?
What is the normal BMI? Anyone who is struggling with their weight or is striving for their personal ideal weight wants to know where they stand. The optimal BMI for women is between 19 kg/m² and 24 kg/m². Values below 19 kg/m² indicate underweight, while values above 24 kg/m² indicate overweight. A woman of average height should weigh between 55 and 69 kilograms.
What is the BMI for being slim?
A BMI between 19 and 24 inclusive is an indicator of an ideal weight. Below 19, we are already in the range of being underweight. Values above 25 indicate obesity.
What is the healthiest BMI?
It has been shown that a BMI between 20 and 25 carries the least risk of cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal complaints. In the long term, a BMI between 20 and 22 seems to be most ideal. IMPORTANT: For people over 60, however, doctors recommend slightly higher values. This is because a small amount of reserves are important for possible infections and illnesses.
