BMI of 25 — What does it mean?

Instant answer: A BMI of 25 is classified as overweight.

Population data show that physically active people in this BMI band often have better cardiovascular outcomes than sedentary people inside the 'normal' range.

Weight examples that give a BMI of 25

HeightWeight (kg)Weight (lbs)
160 cm (5'3")64141
165 cm (5'5")68.1150
170 cm (5'7")72.3159
175 cm (5'9")76.6169
180 cm (5'11")81179
185 cm (6'1")85.6189

Practical next steps

  1. A 5–10% reduction in body weight is the threshold at which most metabolic markers measurably improve in trials.
  2. Thirty minutes of daily walking plus two resistance sessions matches general adult activity guidance.
  3. Liquid calories are the intake people most often underestimate.
  4. Blood pressure, glucose and lipids are separate measurements a GP can check; BMI does not predict them for an individual.

Frequently asked questions

What does a BMI of 25 mean?

A BMI of 25 falls into the overweight category as defined by the World Health Organization. Population data show that physically active people in this BMI band often have better cardiovascular outcomes than sedentary people inside the 'normal' range.

Is a BMI of 25 healthy?

This BMI is outside the WHO healthy range of 18.5–24.9 and falls into the overweight category.

What weight gives a BMI of 25 at 170 cm?

At 170 cm, a BMI of 25 corresponds to roughly 72.3 kg.

Sources & references