BMI of 28 — What does it mean?
Instant answer: A BMI of 28 is classified as overweight.
This BMI band typically becomes more health-relevant when paired with a waist measurement above 94 cm (men) or 80 cm (women) — cut-offs drawn mainly from European-origin populations, with lower equivalents in South Asian and East Asian populations.
Weight examples that give a BMI of 28
| Height | Weight (kg) | Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| 160 cm (5'3") | 71.7 | 158 |
| 165 cm (5'5") | 76.2 | 168 |
| 170 cm (5'7") | 80.9 | 178 |
| 175 cm (5'9") | 85.8 | 189 |
| 180 cm (5'11") | 90.7 | 200 |
| 185 cm (6'1") | 95.8 | 211 |
Practical next steps
- A deficit of roughly 250–500 kcal per day is the range most guidance associates with steady, sustainable loss.
- Combining cardio with strength work is what preserves muscle during weight loss.
- Waist measurement often improves before scale weight does.
- Sugar-sweetened drinks are the intake most commonly identified as the easiest reduction.
Frequently asked questions
What does a BMI of 28 mean?
A BMI of 28 falls into the overweight category as defined by the World Health Organization. This BMI band typically becomes more health-relevant when paired with a waist measurement above 94 cm (men) or 80 cm (women) — cut-offs drawn mainly from European-origin populations, with lower equivalents in South Asian and East Asian populations.
Is a BMI of 28 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 28 at 170 cm?
At 170 cm, a BMI of 28 corresponds to roughly 80.9 kg.