BMI Chart Men

Body mass index - what is it?

Understanding the different factors affecting a person's weight and overall health in healthcare is important. While there are various methods for determining healthy weight ranges, one commonly used screening tool is the Body Mass Index (BMI).

Body fat levels in men can be measured in various ways, including BMI, body fat percentage, and waist circumference. While BMI is a simple and widely used method, it does not consider factors such as muscle mass or body composition.

BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, which can help indicate if a person is at an increased risk for health problems. BMI is defined numerically as:

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height² (m²)

To determine your patient's BMI, you can use a BMI calculator, or with just your patient's height and weight, you can determine their BMI using our Men's BMI Chart. To see how to do this, keep reading!

How to use this BMI Chart For Men

Follow the simple steps below to save time on BMI calculations using our Women's BMI Chart.

1. Measure height and weight

The two measurements you will need to use this Men's BMI Chart are your patient's height and weight. While for calculation of BMI, the height must be in centimeters and the weight must be in kilograms, our chart also includes feet/inches and pounds for ease of use.

2. Find the corresponding BMI on the Men's BMI Chart

Locate your patient's height on the x-axis and their weight on the y-axis. Drawing a line outwards from each point, the corresponding BMI is the square that aligns with these two values. See our example below for a visual depiction.

3. Use color coding to interpret the BMI result

The colors provided show the interpretation of your patient's BMI result. They are as follows:

• Red - Obese BMI range
• Orange- Overweight BMI range
• Green- Normal BMI range
• Pale green- Underweight BMI range

4. Add additional notes in the space provided

As discussed in further detail below, many factors can impact BMI beyond excess body fat, so add context, notes, or present health problems in the space provided.

Healthy weight range

A normal BMI is from 18.5 to 24.9. This can correspond to a wide range of height and weight combinations, and to see the different ways your clients might achieve weight in this normal range, look at the color-coded bands in our Men's BMI Chart.

The complete World Health Organization categories utilized in this resource are:

• ≥30: Obese
• 25-29.9: Overweight
• 18.5 - 25: Normal weight
• <18.5: Underweight

Remember, it is possible to be healthy but not fall into the "normal weight" BMI category due to individual differences in age and body composition.

When should you measure your BMI?

BMI is commonly calculated by nutritionists, dietitians, or primary care providers for treatment planning purposes. Individuals looking to lose weight may have their BMI calculated before beginning a weight loss plan and at various points throughout the plan to track their progress.

However, as BMI is just a single number- it can't capture the nuances of an individual's risk, lifestyle choices, and other factors that contribute to health aside from simply BMI. As such, we recommend BMI calculations be done by a healthcare provider who can provide additional important context to the BMI result.

These professionals might include:

• Nutritionists
• Dietitians
• Primary care providers
• Bariatric surgeons
• Personal trainers

Risks associated with being overweight

Body fat plays a crucial role in overall health, providing insulation and energy storage for the body. However, having too much body fat can increase the likelihood of health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

It's essential to approach this topic sensitively, recognizing that individuals may face various challenges in managing their weight. Open and supportive conversations about healthy lifestyle choices can empower people to make positive changes. Encouraging habits like regular physical activity and balanced nutrition fosters a friendly environment where individuals feel motivated to prioritize their health.

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a commonly used measurement to determine weight status, it has some limitations in assessing overall health, including that of men. BMI does not directly account for fat distribution, bone density, or muscle mass.

By examining the BMI value alongside other health indicators, such as waist circumference and overall body composition, healthcare professionals can gain additional insights into individuals' well-being and develop personalized strategies for promoting optimal health.

Men tend to have a lower average body fat percentage than women, and their bodies may store fat differently. While women often store more fat in areas such as the hips and thighs, men may store more in the abdominal region. This variation in fat distribution can influence BMI readings.

On the other hand, athletes and individuals with high muscle mass may have a higher BMI due to increased weight from muscle. However, this does not necessarily imply an unhealthy fat level. It's important to consider a comprehensive view of health and not rely solely on BMI for a more accurate assessment.

Alternatives to BMI

Waist circumference

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using BMI and waist circumference as indicators of health risks. A high BMI combined with obesity or a large waist circumference can increase the likelihood of health problems related to excess body fat, such as metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

Men tend to have a higher percentage of muscle and lower body fat percentage compared to women, and the distribution of their body fat can also vary by sex, with more fat being stored around the stomach rather than the hips and thighs. For men, a waist measurement greater than 40 inches may indicate a higher risk of various health conditions and complications associated with excess belly fat.

Skinfold calipers

This method involves using calipers to measure the thickness of skin folds in different body areas, which can then be used to estimate body fat percentage. While not as accurate as body composition analysis, it can still provide a reasonable estimate of overall body fat levels.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA)

BIA measures the flow of electrical currents through the body to estimate body fat percentage. This method is relatively quick and non-invasive, making it a popular choice for healthcare professionals.

Health risk assessment

A person's overall health and lifestyle habits can also indicate their weight and potential health risks. Factors such as smoking, sedentary behavior, and diet can all contribute to an increased risk of health problems, regardless of one's body composition or BMI.