Measurement

Underweight

Normal

Normal

Overweight

Obesity I

Obesity II

Obesity III

Body mass
index (BMI)*

<18.5

***

18.5-24.9

25.0-29.9

30.0-34.9

35.0-39.9

40+

 

Below normal

Athlete

Healthy nonathlete

Potential risk

Slight risk

Moderate risk

High risk

% body fat**
Men
Women


<12%
<18%


5-13%
12-22%


12-17%
18-22%


17-20%
22-27%


20.1-25%
27.1-32%


25.1-30%
32.1-37%


>30%
>37%


*Data source: American College of Sports Medicine, ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (6th ed.). Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2000.
**Data source: AFAA, A Guide to Personal Fitness Training. Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, 1997.
***Note: There are no recommendations for BMI for athletes.