Body Mass Index (BMI) Nomogram
This BMI nomogram is not intended for use with:
- those under 18 years of age,
- and pregnant and lactating women.
Visit the Question and Answer
(Q & A) section for more information about weight classification and answers
to questions about weight and health.
*When entering your height in ft/in use an apostrophe
( ' ) ex: 5'8
To estimate BMI, locate the point on the chart where height and weight
intersect. Read the number on the dashed line closest to this point. For
example, if you weigh 69 kg and are 173 cm tall, you have a BMI of approximately
23, which is in Normal Weight.
You can also calculate your BMI using this formula:
BMI = weight(kg)/height(m)2
Health Risk Classification According to Body Mass Index (BMI)
Classification |
BMI Category (kg/m2) |
Risk of developing health problems |
Underweight |
< 18.5 |
Increased |
Normal Weight |
18.5 - 24.9 |
Least |
Overweight |
25.0 - 29.9 |
Increased |
Obese class I |
30.0 - 34.9 |
High |
Obese class II |
35.0 - 39.9 |
Very high |
Obese class III |
>= 40.0 |
Extremely high |
Note: For persons 65 years and older the 'normal' range
may begin slightly above BMI 18.5 and extend into the 'overweight' range.
Source: Health Canada. Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults. Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada; 2003.
To clarify risk for each individual, other factors such as lifestyle habits, fitness level, and presence or absence of other health risk conditions also need to be considered.
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