What’s the Ideal BMI?

Is there a unisex chart to see what your optimal weight might be based on your height? How to calculate the ideal BMI.

If you missed the previous videos in this obesity series, see:

While we should not understate the health risks that obesity raises—all of which are outlined in my series on the ABCs of obesity—we also recognize the effects that stigma against body size has on one’s health. We will have several videos to be released within the next few months covering issues of body shaming and how it affects not only mental health, but also access to healthcare.

Thanks for watching. I hope you’ll join in the evidence-based nutrition revolution!
-Michael Greger, MD FACLM

[NutritionFactsOrg]

While we should not understate the health risks that obesity raises—all of which are outlined in my series on the ABCs of obesity—we also recognize the effects that stigma against body size has on one’s health. We will have several videos to be released within the next few months covering issues of body shaming and how it affects not only mental health, but also access to healthcare. And as a reminder, BMI doesn’t take composition of weight into account (fat versus muscle). I dive into this topic in my next video: What’s the Ideal Waist Size?

-NF Team

[Meowshra]

I switched to WFPB eating and lost 55 lbs over the course of one year without even trying. I went from a BMI of 30 to a BMI of 21.8 -- without calorie restriction, additional exercise or anything else. Just whole plant foods. It works!

[cannibalmanimal]

People looking at the chart like “damn WTF I thought I was doing something”

[kimglover]

I’d like to see a study on chronic disease risk for overweight vegans compared to meat eaters with a BMI within the ideal range.

[betsyrocks]

That quote by Lynn McAfee just blew my mind. Did she really did say that about science?

[alexandriakaprelian]

What are the health risks for a bmi under the ideal range? I love all your videos, but would love to see one showing studies on the risks of being underweight.

[ksalomo]

So what's about a bmi which is unter 20?.. you always talk about risks of obisity, but is underweight dangerous too?

[Shinibo]

I love how Dr Greger keeps his cool, even when addressing controversial topics 😎 Thank you for giving us the truth without sugarcoating 💖

[wadepatton]

WFPB eating gave me the 21 BMI I now have and it only took a few months. Now is 5.5 years later. Highly recommended to all, everywhere.

[dianapavlova]

Thanks for the video. I had been thinking upon this subject for quite awhile and knew that the ideal range is not so ideal but this video was really on point!

[nazokashii]

Thank you for sharing all this important science :)

[jf]

This doctor is brave, does not mince words.

[jasonhsu]

I lost 27 pounds from March to September. While I normally eat less and exercise more during the warmer months of the year, the pandemic motivated me to avoid all junk foods and restaurant foods, which I will continue to do until it's over. I've gained back just 3 of the pounds I've lost. While the colder weather means a larger appetite and less exercise for me, I'm still avoiding junk food. Yes, it's possible to get through November and December without the holiday treats. I'm using my larger appetite to eat a greater quantity and variety of healthy foods.

[Ivana.]

It is so refreshing to see a scientist tell it as it is, not as it is comfortable for the population to hear. Congratulations Dr. Greger on your amazing work and role in educating America through the science of nutrition. Your videos have been invaluable to me in my own journey.

[katarzynasulowska]

Thank you so much for making this video. I'm sick of the "health at every size" crowd preaching dangerous misinformation.

[nanasshi]

having a bmi of 24 or 25 is considered normal in the west but visually you are still fat at that range. asians use 23 as the cut off

[uj]

I agree with most of what Dr Greger says, but I believe it's the case that people with extremely different body compositions can have the same BMI? While I believe BMI may be a valuable tool in assessing one's health, it'll be nice to see a video on the downsides of BMI. BMI clearly doesn't tell the whole story

[MarianneKunitz]

Yes I agree. I developed a few chronic diseases at a bmi of 23 and 24. I'm a 5ft 9 inch woman. I went pesco vegetarian. I'm now at a bmi of 21. My arthritis is gone. I feel great. I'm looking to take off 5 more pounds.

[stargazerbird]

Having gone from a BMI of nearly 27 to 22 I can testify on how much better you feel and look getting to a properly healthy weight. Aiming to drop to the option of 21 but that is very hard to do. The charts work for me. But my husband looks gaunt at the same BMI as me. He’s fit but he is not muscly. Surely men need more leeway for bigger muscles and wider heavier bones? The old insurance weight charts were better in my opinion. They allowed for larger or smaller frames and different weights for the sexes. The healthy weight range was the same but it stopped at a BMI of 22, the new charts allow us to think we are healthy at a higher weight.

[jenniferturner]

Is there any literature on people who have spent 10-20years being obese and turn it around to having a health BMI?