Compare Your Body Mass Index with US Averages

See how your BMI compares to national statistics by age, gender, and demographics

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US BMI Statistics Overview

28.1
Average US BMI
(Adults 20+)
30.7%
Normal Weight
(BMI 18.5-24.9)
32.5%
Overweight
(BMI 25-29.9)
36.2%
Obese
(BMI 30+)

Key Findings from Recent CDC Data (NHANES 2017-2020):

  • Obesity rates have tripled since the 1970s
  • BMI varies significantly by geographic region
  • Education and income levels correlate with BMI
  • Young adults show concerning weight gain trends

Personal BMI Comparison Tool

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BMI Statistics by Demographics

Average BMI by Age Group

Young Adults (20-39)

Men: 27.8
Women: 28.1
Overall: 28.0

Middle Age (40-59)

Men: 29.1
Women: 28.7
Overall: 28.9

Older Adults (60+)

Men: 28.5
Women: 28.2
Overall: 28.3

Regional Variations

States with Lowest Obesity Rates

Colorado 24.2% obese
Hawaii 25.0% obese
Massachusetts 25.2% obese
California 25.5% obese

States with Highest Obesity Rates

West Virginia 38.1% obese
Mississippi 37.3% obese
Oklahoma 36.8% obese
Louisiana 36.2% obese

BMI Trends Over Time

Historical Changes

1970s 15% obese
1990s 23% obese
2000s 31% obese
2020s 36% obese

Contributing Factors

  • Increased portion sizes in restaurants
  • More sedentary lifestyles and desk jobs
  • Greater availability of processed foods
  • Reduced physical activity in daily life

What These Comparisons Mean

If You're Above Average

  • Don't panic - population averages include many overweight individuals
  • Focus on the healthy BMI range (18.5-24.9), not averages
  • Consider lifestyle changes for better health outcomes
  • Consult healthcare providers for personalized advice

If You're Below Average

  • Great news if you're in the healthy range (18.5-24.9)
  • Maintain healthy habits that got you here
  • If underweight, consider healthy weight gain strategies
  • Share your success strategies with others

Important Reminder

These statistics are for general information only. Your individual health status depends on many factors beyond BMI, including genetics, muscle mass, bone density, and overall fitness level. The goal should be personal health and wellbeing, not necessarily matching population averages.

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Data Sources & Disclaimers

📊 Data Sources

  • CDC NHANES: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017-2020)
  • NIH: National Institutes of Health BMI guidelines
  • WHO: World Health Organization BMI classifications
  • Updates: Statistical data updated annually

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

  • Not Medical Advice: These comparisons are for educational purposes only
  • Consult Professionals: Always seek advice from qualified healthcare providers
  • Individual Variation: Your health needs may differ significantly from averages
  • Statistical Approximations: Data represents general population trends, not individual cases
  • BMI Limitations: Does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition

⚠️ MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This tool provides statistical comparisons for educational and informational purposes only. BMI calculations and population comparisons do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. These statistics are approximations based on CDC data and should not be used to make health decisions. Individual health assessments require consideration of multiple factors beyond BMI, including medical history, lifestyle, genetics, and body composition. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plans. Do not delay seeking professional medical care based on information from this tool.