What are typical body mass index ranges?

A body mass index of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be normal, states the Centers for Disease Control. As of 2015, the CDC defines an underweight BMI as below 18.5, an overweight BMI as 25.0 to 29.9, and an obese BMI as 30.0 and above.

BMI's of athletes with a high amount of skeletal muscle may be misleading, and professional health care providers should be consulted when assessing an individual's health status, notes the CDC. A newer measure called the body adiposity index relies on hip-to-height ratio and is a better method of gauging whether an individual is overweight or obese, reports WebMD.