What does a BMI of 27 mean?
A BMI of 27 is above the healthy range for adults (18.5–24.9): it’s in the overweight range. It’s a screening number, not a diagnosis.
For adults 20+ · Based on CDC & WHO guidelines · Updated
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Healthy weight for your height: –
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What a BMI of 27 means
With the standard cut-offs, 27 is in the overweight range (25–29.9). With the lower cut-offs recommended for people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background, it’s also overweight (23–27.4), just below the obesity cut-off of 27.5.
27 also appears in US treatment guidance. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) list it as one of the BMI levels at which doctors may discuss medicines with adults who also have a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure. We don’t give advice on treatments; your doctor can tell you what applies to you.
How far 27 is from the healthy range
At common heights: the weight at a BMI of 27, and how far it is above the top of the healthy range.
| Height | Weight at a BMI of 27 | Healthy weight | Above the healthy range by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 138 lb (63 kg) | 95–127 lb (43–57 kg) | 11 lb (6 kg) |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 148 lb (67 kg) | 101–136 lb (46–61 kg) | 12 lb (6 kg) |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 158 lb (72 kg) | 108–145 lb (49–65 kg) | 13 lb (7 kg) |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 167 lb (76 kg) | 115–154 lb (52–70 kg) | 13 lb (6 kg) |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 178 lb (81 kg) | 122–164 lb (56–74 kg) | 14 lb (7 kg) |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 188 lb (86 kg) | 129–173 lb (59–78 kg) | 15 lb (8 kg) |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 199 lb (91 kg) | 137–183 lb (62–83 kg) | 16 lb (8 kg) |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 210 lb (96 kg) | 144–194 lb (66–88 kg) | 16 lb (8 kg) |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 222 lb (101 kg) | 152–204 lb (69–92 kg) | 18 lb (9 kg) |
Each weight is the lowest whole pound or kilogram that gives a BMI of 27 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.