Men have a different body composition than women. Learn to interpret your BMI correctly.
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Calculate my BMI →The healthy BMI range for adult men according to the WHO is 18.5 to 24.9, the same as for women. However, men tend to have greater muscle mass and a lower percentage of body fat, which can influence the interpretation of BMI.
A muscular man can have a BMI of 27 or even higher without having excess body fat. That is why BMI should be interpreted together with waist circumference and other indicators. In men, a waist over 102 cm indicates elevated cardiovascular risk.
| Category | BMI | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Less than 18.5 | Possible malnutrition or underlying disease |
| Normal | 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy weight, minimal risk |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 | Slightly elevated risk |
| Obesity I | 30 – 34.9 | Moderate risk |
| Obesity II | 35 – 39.9 | Severe risk |
| Obesity III | 40 or more | Very severe risk |
BMI was designed for the general population and does not distinguish between muscle and fat. An athlete or bodybuilder can have a BMI of 28–30 with a perfectly healthy body fat percentage. In these cases, BMI overestimates the risk.
On the other hand, a sedentary person with a BMI of 24 may have more fat and less muscle than desirable (known as "normal-weight obesity"). In men over 50 this is especially relevant.