What Is a Healthy BMI for My Age? Age-Based BMI Guidelines Explained

Learn the healthy BMI range by age and how BMI differs for adults, children, and teens according to health guidelines.

Published

Video transcript

A healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) is generally between 18.5 to 24.9 for adults. For children and teens, BMI thresholds are age and gender-specific. Consult growth charts provided by health authorities to determine age-appropriate BMI.

Questions and answers

  1. What is the normal BMI range for adults?

    A healthy BMI for adults is generally between 18.5 and 24.9.

  2. How is BMI calculated for children and teens?

    BMI for children and teens is age and gender-specific and can be determined using BMI growth charts from health authorities.

  3. Why does BMI vary by age?

    BMI varies by age because children and teens are still growing, so their body composition changes differently compared to adults.