What does a BMI of 23 mean?
A BMI of 23 is in the healthy range for adults (18.5–24.9). With the lower cut-offs used for some groups, it’s the start of the overweight range. It’s a screening number, not a diagnosis.
For adults 20+ · Based on CDC & WHO guidelines · Updated
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Your BMI
Healthy weight for your height: –
Your result and the healthy range for your height will appear here.
Waist-to-height ratio:
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Under 20? BMI works differently for kids and teens.
Use the Kids & Teens calculator →
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What a BMI of 23 means
With the standard cut-offs, 23 is in the middle of the healthy range. Lower cut-offs are recommended for people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background, because health risks such as type 2 diabetes start at a lower BMI. With them, the healthy range ends at 22.9 and overweight starts at 23, as recommended by the WHO and by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Asian BMI calculator →
Weight at a BMI of 23 by height
With the standard cut-offs, a BMI of 23 is inside the healthy range at every height. With the lower cut-offs, the healthy range ends just below it.
| Height | Weight at a BMI of 23 | Healthy weight | Healthy weight, lower cut-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 118 lb (54 kg) | 95–127 lb (43–57 kg) | 95–117 lb (43–53 kg) |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 126 lb (57 kg) | 101–136 lb (46–61 kg) | 101–125 lb (46–56 kg) |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 134 lb (61 kg) | 108–145 lb (49–65 kg) | 108–133 lb (49–60 kg) |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 143 lb (65 kg) | 115–154 lb (52–70 kg) | 115–142 lb (52–64 kg) |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 151 lb (69 kg) | 122–164 lb (56–74 kg) | 122–150 lb (56–68 kg) |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 160 lb (73 kg) | 129–173 lb (59–78 kg) | 129–159 lb (59–72 kg) |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 137–183 lb (62–83 kg) | 137–169 lb (62–76 kg) |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 179 lb (82 kg) | 144–194 lb (66–88 kg) | 144–178 lb (66–81 kg) |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 189 lb (86 kg) | 152–204 lb (69–92 kg) | 152–188 lb (69–85 kg) |
Each weight is the lowest whole pound or kilogram that gives a BMI of 23 on the calculator. Select a height for its healthy weight page.
What to do next
- Check your waist-to-height ratio. It shows whether weight is carried around the middle, which BMI can’t.
- See the healthy weight for your height.
- Talk to a doctor if your BMI is outside the healthy range, or if your weight has changed without you trying.