What does a BMI of 30 mean?
A BMI of 30 is above the healthy range for adults (18.5–24.9): it’s the start of the obesity range (obesity, class 1: 30–34.9). 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:
If you’re worried about eating or your weight, free and confidential support is available from ANAD.
Under 20? BMI works differently for kids and teens.
Use the Kids & Teens calculator →
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What a BMI of 30 means
With the lower cut-offs recommended for people of South Asian, Chinese, other Asian, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean family background, obesity starts earlier, at 27.5.
BMI on its own doesn’t diagnose obesity. A 2025 Lancet commission recommends confirming excess body fat with another measure, such as waist size, except at a BMI above 40. Waist-to-height ratio →
In US guidance from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 30 is also one of the BMI levels at which doctors may discuss medicines. We don’t give advice on treatments; your doctor can tell you what applies to you.
How far 30 is from the healthy range
At common heights: the weight at a BMI of 30, and how far it is above the top of the healthy range.
| Height | Weight at a BMI of 30 | Healthy weight | Above the healthy range by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 154 lb (70 kg) | 95–127 lb (43–57 kg) | 27 lb (13 kg) |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 164 lb (75 kg) | 101–136 lb (46–61 kg) | 28 lb (14 kg) |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 175 lb (80 kg) | 108–145 lb (49–65 kg) | 30 lb (15 kg) |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 186 lb (85 kg) | 115–154 lb (52–70 kg) | 32 lb (15 kg) |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 197 lb (90 kg) | 122–164 lb (56–74 kg) | 33 lb (16 kg) |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 209 lb (95 kg) | 129–173 lb (59–78 kg) | 36 lb (17 kg) |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 221 lb (101 kg) | 137–183 lb (62–83 kg) | 38 lb (18 kg) |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 234 lb (106 kg) | 144–194 lb (66–88 kg) | 40 lb (18 kg) |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 247 lb (112 kg) | 152–204 lb (69–92 kg) | 43 lb (20 kg) |
Each weight is the lowest whole pound or kilogram that gives a BMI of 30 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.