What does a BMI of 35 mean?
A BMI of 35 is well above the healthy range for adults (18.5–24.9): it’s the start of obesity, class 2 (35–39.9). 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: –
Your result and the healthy range for your height will appear here.
Waist-to-height ratio:
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What a BMI of 35 means
Obesity, class 2 runs from 35 to 39.9 with the standard cut-offs. A doctor looks at BMI together with your waist, blood pressure, blood tests and history.
In 2022, two surgical societies, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), published joint guidelines. They list 35 as one of the BMI levels at which a specialist team may discuss surgery. We don’t give advice on treatments; your doctor can tell you what applies to you.
How far 35 is from the healthy range
At common heights: the weight at a BMI of 35, and how far it is above the top of the healthy range.
| Height | Weight at a BMI of 35 | Healthy weight | Above the healthy range by |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5′0″ (152 cm) | 179 lb (82 kg) | 95–127 lb (43–57 kg) | 52 lb (25 kg) |
| 5′2″ (157 cm) | 192 lb (87 kg) | 101–136 lb (46–61 kg) | 56 lb (26 kg) |
| 5′4″ (163 cm) | 204 lb (93 kg) | 108–145 lb (49–65 kg) | 59 lb (28 kg) |
| 5′6″ (168 cm) | 217 lb (99 kg) | 115–154 lb (52–70 kg) | 63 lb (29 kg) |
| 5′8″ (173 cm) | 230 lb (105 kg) | 122–164 lb (56–74 kg) | 66 lb (31 kg) |
| 5′10″ (178 cm) | 244 lb (111 kg) | 129–173 lb (59–78 kg) | 71 lb (33 kg) |
| 6′0″ (183 cm) | 258 lb (117 kg) | 137–183 lb (62–83 kg) | 75 lb (34 kg) |
| 6′2″ (188 cm) | 273 lb (124 kg) | 144–194 lb (66–88 kg) | 79 lb (36 kg) |
| 6′4″ (193 cm) | 288 lb (131 kg) | 152–204 lb (69–92 kg) | 84 lb (39 kg) |
Each weight is the lowest whole pound or kilogram that gives a BMI of 35 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.