Calculate your BMI

Calculate your body mass index (BMI) and understand what it means for your health
—medically reviewed and evidence-based.

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BMI does not measure body composition directly and does not provide a complete picture of health. It does not account for muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, age, biological sex, pregnancy, or racial and ethnic differences—all of which can influence health outcomes independently of BMI. BMI should not be used as a sole diagnostic tool. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment of your health.

Your BMI is in the overweight range.

Your BMI is in the overweight range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

See if you qualify

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

Your BMI is in the underweight range.

Your BMI is in the underweight range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

Your BMI is in the healthy range.

Your BMI is in the healthy range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

Glp-1 Microdosing

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

Your BMI is in the obesity range.

Your BMI is in the obesity range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

See if you qualify

Explore options

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

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Explore weight-loss solutions through Shed

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These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Product images shown are for illustrative purposes only. Medication is prescribed only after consultation with a licensed provider to determine appropriateness.

Dr. Asad Niazi (MD)

Doctor of Medicine (MD),
Internal Medicine Physician

What is BMI?

“Body mass index is one of the most common ways providers estimate whether a person’s weight may be linked to health risks. It is calculated by dividing weight by height squared and it’s used by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy for adults, while results below or above this range may signal higher risks for certain conditions.” —Dr. Asad Niazi, MD

Why BMI is widely used

BMI is simple, inexpensive, and consistent, which is why doctors, insurers, and researchers rely on it. It’s often the first step in evaluating whether weight-management support may be appropriate. For example, providers may use BMI cutoffs along with other health factors when determining eligibility for GLP-1 medications (such as semaglutide and tirzepatide). These medications are typically considered when someone has a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if they have a weight-related condition like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea.

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is useful for population-level screening, it doesn’t tell the whole story for individuals.

Does not measure body fat directly:

A very muscular person may be labeled as overweight, even with low body fat.

Age and sex differences:

Older adults may have higher body fat at the same BMI compared to younger adults. It also doesn’t take female and male body composition into account.

Ethnicity considerations:

Older adults may have higher body fat at the same BMI compared to younger adults. It also doesn’t take female and male body composition into account.

Doesn’t reflect lifestyle or lab results:

Diet quality, physical activity, blood pressure, and blood sugar are often more predictive of health outcomes.

Because of these limitations, providers use BMI alongside other information, such as waist-to-height ratio, blood tests, and medical history.

The bottom line

BMI is a starting point, not the full picture. Understanding your BMI can guide your next steps, but your health is more than just one number. At Shed, our partnered providers review BMI alongside your medical history, lifestyle, and goals to decide whether GLP-1 medications or other treatments are right for you.

(Last updated October 2025)References: NIH, CDC, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, JAMA, ADA guidelines

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Shed FAQs

Questions about BMI?
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Health

What is a healthy BMI range?

For most adults, a healthy BMI range is 18.5 to 24.9. People in this range tend to have a lower risk of weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. However, BMI is not perfect. Athletes with high muscle mass, older adults with muscle loss, and people of certain ethnic backgrounds may fall outside this range even if their health is good. A healthy BMI is a starting point, but your provider may also look at your waist-to-height ratio, blood tests, and medical history to give a more complete picture.

Health

Why isn’t BMI always accurate?

BMI is calculated using only height and weight, which means it cannot tell the difference between muscle, bone, and fat. This is why a bodybuilder may have a BMI in the obese category despite having very low body fat. Older adults, on the other hand, may have normal BMI but carry more body fat due to muscle loss. BMI is a population screening tool, not a diagnostic test. For individual care, clinicians combine BMI with other factors like labs, lifestyle habits, and family history.

Health

Does BMI determine if I qualify for GLP-1 medications?

BMI is one of the main criteria providers use when considering GLP-1 weight loss-medications like semaglutide or Tirzepatide. In most cases, a BMI of 30 or higher qualifies an adult for treatment. If your BMI is 27 or higher and you have a weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea), you may also be eligible. Providers do not prescribe based on BMI alone; they also review safety, medical history, and goals before recommending a plan.

Health

Can GLP-1 medications lower my BMI?

Yes, clinical trials show that GLP-1 medications can lead to 10–20% or more body weight reduction for many patients, which may lower BMI into a healthier range. These medications work by reducing appetite, slowing digestion, and improving blood sugar regulation. However, they are not a quick fix. The best results come when medication is combined with protein intake, exercise, sleep, and lifestyle support. Providers will track BMI and other health markers to measure progress.

Health

What’s the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?

BMI is an estimate of body size based on height and weight, while body fat percentage measures actual fat relative to muscle, bone, and water. Body fat testing methods include skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance, and DEXA scans. While body fat percentage is more precise, BMI remains widely used because it is fast, inexpensive, and consistent across populations. For individual health planning, both numbers can be useful, but providers often start with BMI to help screen for GLP-1 eligibility and then add other measures if needed.

See more in our Help Center

Suggested reference list

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult BMI Categories. March 19, 2024.
https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/adult-calculator/bmi-categories.html (CDC)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute / NIH. Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI). https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm (or equivalent NIH BMI tool) (NHLBI, NIH)
“Body Mass Index (BMI).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 11, 2023 (updated).
https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/index.html (CDC)
“BMI Frequently Asked Questions.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/faq/index.html (CDC)
“BMI Classification Percentile and Cut Off Points.” StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541070/ (NCBI)
“Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists.” StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/ (NCBI)
The expanding role of GLP-1 receptor agonists: a narrative review. PMC / NCBI. 2024.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12303005/ (PMC)
“Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition / Nutrition.org. 2025. https://nutrition.org/nutritional-priorities-to-support-glp-1-therapy-for-obesity/ (American Society for Nutrition)
(Also full journal version: AJCN article) (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)
“Weight Reduction with GLP-1 Agonists and Paths for Future Therapies.” PMC / NCBI.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11940170/ (PMC)

“Discovery of GLP-1–Based Drugs for the Treatment of Obesity.” New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcibr2409089 (New England Journal of Medicine)
“Discontinuing Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Body Weight Regain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” PubMed. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40186344/ (PubMed)
“Discontinuation and Reinitiation of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists.” JAMA Network Open. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2829779 (JAMA Network)
“Public Consultation on the Draft WHO Guideline on GLP-1 Therapy for the Treatment of Obesity in Adults.” World Health Organization.
https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/public-consultation-on-the-draft-who-guideline-on-glp1-therapy-for-the-treatment-of-obesity-in-adults (World Health Organization)
“FDA’s Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER). Affordable Access to GLP-1 Obesity Medications – ICER White Paper. April 2025. (PDF) https://icer.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Affordable-Access-to-GLP-1-Obesity-Medications-_-ICER-White-Paper-_-04.09.2025.pdf (ICER)

Calculate your BMI

Calculate your body mass index (BMI) and understand what it means for your health—medically reviewed and evidence-based.

Your BMI is in the overweight range.

Your BMI is in the overweight range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

Your BMI is in the underweight range.

Your BMI is in the underweight range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

Your BMI is in the healthy range.

Your BMI is in the healthy range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

Your BMI is in the obesity range.

Your BMI is in the obesity range. Curious about ways to support your wellness? A provider can help you find the right fit.

Explore weight-loss solutions

Explore weight-loss solutions through Shed

Dr. Asad Niazi (MD)

What is BMI?

Why BMI is widely used

Limitations of BMI

Does not measure body fat directly:

Age and sex differences:

Ethnicity considerations:

Doesn’t reflect lifestyle or lab results:

The bottom line

Weight care, made simple

From online visits to doorstep delivery,support without the hassle

Questions about BMI?We’ve got answers.

What is a healthy BMI range?

Why isn’t BMI always accurate?

Does BMI determine if I qualify for GLP-1 medications?

Can GLP-1 medications lower my BMI?

What’s the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?

Suggested reference list

Calculate your body mass index (BMI) and understand what it means for your health
—medically reviewed and evidence-based.

From online visits to doorstep delivery,
support without the hassle

Questions about BMI?
We’ve got answers.