What Is a Healthy Weight?
For adults, a normal or healthy weight is defined as an appropriate weight in relation to height. This ratio of weight to height is known as the body mass index (BMI). People who are overweight have too much body weight for their height; people who are obese have a large amount of extra body fat in relation to their height.
For years, we’ve encouraged Americans to eat better, exercise regularly, and maintain healthier lifestyles. But for these things to happen, Americans need to live and work in environments that support their efforts. There’s a growing consensus that we need to create communities and environments where the healthy choices are the easy, affordable choices.
Dr. Regina M. Benjamin
U.S. Surgeon General
What’s your BMI?
Adults can use this handy calculator from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn their own BMI.
Use the table below to see if your BMI falls within a normal range:
| BMI |
Weight Status |
| less than 18.5 |
Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 |
Normal or healthy weight |
| 25.0–29.9 |
Overweight |
| 30.0 and above |
Obese |
Take the Next Step
If your BMI falls outside of the normal range, visit our Successful Approaches to Healthy Living page.
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