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A BMI of 30 and above may mean that you have obesity.
Having a BMI of 30 and above may mean that you have obesity and may be at risk of other weight-related complications. It is recommended that you consult your healthcare professional or another healthcare provider trained in obesity management.
The goal of managing and treating obesity is not simply to lose weight, but also to improve health and lower the risks of other health complications.
There are various treatment options for obesity that may be suggested for people in this category.
Healthcare professionals make recommendations depending on the specific needs, current health status and whether there are any weight-related complications.
Treatments can include:
Healthy eating
Increased physical activity
Behavioural therapy
Obesity medications
Bariatric surgery
You can learn more about treatment options here.
This BMI calculator is not applicable if you are below 18 years old. BMI is interpreted differently for children and teens, even though it is calculated using the same formula as adult BMI. Please consult with your healthcare provider for BMI information under 18.
| BMI | Classification |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Normal Weight |
| 25 to 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 to 34.9 | Obesity Class I |
| 35 to 39.9 | Obesity Class II |
| 40 to 49.9 | Obesity Class III |
| 50 to 59.9 | Obesity Class IV |
| 60 and above | Obesity Class V |
Cut-offs are different for people of South-, Southeast- or East Asian descent.
This BMI calculator is for adults 18 years or older. Talk to your healthcare professional about your BMI if you're under the age of 18.
Remember, BMI is used as a screening tool; however, if you find yourself in the higher BMI categories, you might want to try some new habits while you are waiting to talk to your healthcare professional. Click on an item below to see what you can do to make a change today.
Nutrition
There is no perfect dietary approach for losing weight. But there are ways of eating that can help you manage weight and prevent the weight from coming back. Whole, unprocessed foods provide the most nutrients and are generally lower in calories. And studies have shown that when presented with ultra-processed food, like soft drinks, ice cream, hot dogs and fries, people tend to consume more calories. So find a way of eating that works for you, while focusing on whole foods and limiting ultra-processed foods as much as possible.
Learn more about starting healthier ways of eating and choosing foods for better weight control here.
Mental health
There are many reasons why we gain and manage weight and sometimes, they have to do with how we feel.
Some people use food to cope with difficult situations and soothe their feelings. Eating to feel better is called emotional eating—it's the reason why we sometimes need psychological support instead of dietary advice.
Stress can also change the way that you eat and put you at more risk of developing obesity. Learning to manage the stress in your life is one strategy you can also include in your weight management plan.
Note that a side effect of many medications used to treat mental health conditions—like antipsychotics, and antidepressants and stimulants—is weight gain.
If you take medication to treat a mental health condition and have
gained weight, discuss the medication’s benefits and side effects with
your doctor.
Activity
Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your health, regardless of your weight. To make sure that your obesity weight loss program is as effective as possible, consider adding aerobic and resistance exercises to your routine. Remember that all movement is good movement, and small changes to your routine can make a big difference.
Find tips for getting a good start on a new exercise program here.
Sleep
Getting too little sleep can affect your hormones, which can then affect how and what you eat. When you sleep better, you're better able to make healthy choices and resist tempting foods. Try these tips to improve your sleeping habits:
Turn off electronic devices (e.g., TV or phone) one hour before bed
Limit or avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening
Try a calming activity (e.g., a bath or reading) before bed
Your obesity health risk
Living with overweight or obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality and other diseases or conditions. Studies have found that generally, the higher your BMI, the greater the risk of developing other chronic obesity-related diseases, including:
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Infertility (in women)
Depression and anxiety
Coronary artery disease
Dyslipidemia
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Metabolic syndrome (MetS)
Urinary incontinence
Obstructive sleep apnea
Chronic kidney disease
Various types of cancer: including but not limited to breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, ovarian and pancreatic cancer
Osteoarthritis
Gallbladder disease
Blood clots
Gout
Increased risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy BMI
BMI is a good way to screen your risk of excess body fat potential affecting your health. Living with overweight or obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality and other diseases or conditions. Results from studies show that generally, the higher your BMI, the greater the risk of developing other chronic obesity-related diseases, including:
Type 2 diabetes
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
Infertility (in women)
Depression and anxiety
Coronary artery disease
Dyslipidemia
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/ Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Metabolic syndrome (MetS)
Urinary incontinence
Obstructive sleep apnea
Chronic kidney disease
Various types of cancer, including but not limited to breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, ovarian and pancreatic cancer
Osteoarthritis
Gallbladder disease
Blood clots
Gout
Increased risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy BMI
Ask your healthcare professional for more information about any of these diseases and how they relate to your BMI. You can also learn more about the health benefits of losing weight here.
BMI is a simple and objective measurement, but it can be misleading in certain cases and for some groups of people. Research has shown that BMI is less accurate in predicting the risk of disease in people who are older, athletes, those who are tall or short and those with more muscular body types. For example, elite athletes or bodybuilders have more muscle and weigh more, which makes their BMI higher.
BMI also doesn't take into account:
Genetic risk factors associated with obesity-related diseases, such as metabolic syndrome
Environmental and lifestyle factors other than obesity that can contribute to your risk of developing chronic disease
How body fat is distributed in individuals
It's important to remember that living with obesity doesn't necessarily mean you're unhealthy, just as being at a “normal” weight doesn't mean you're healthy. Your BMI doesn't define you, but knowing and understanding your BMI can be a powerful tool for taking charge of your own health.
Regardless of your BMI, healthcare professionals recommend having a healthy dietary approach and lifestyle. Talk to your healthcare professional about your weight and health and evaluate what actions may be needed.
