BMI for Men, Women, Children and Older Adults
Does BMI change with sex or age? How BMI is read for adult men and women, children, teens and older adults.
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Frequently asked questions
Is BMI different for men and women?
The formula and adult ranges are the same. Body composition differs on average between men and women, so BMI is interpreted as a general guide for both.
How is BMI measured for children?
Children and teenagers use age‑ and sex‑specific percentiles plotted on growth charts, not the fixed adult ranges.
Does a healthy BMI change with age?
The standard ranges are set for adults generally. Because older adults lose muscle and gain fat, the same BMI can reflect a different body composition, which a doctor can help interpret.
BMI for Men, Women, Children and Older Adults
One of the most common BMI questions is whether the number should be read differently for men, women, or different ages. Here is how it works.
Adult men and women
The BMI formula and the healthy‑range cut‑offs are identical for adult men and women. Women on average carry more body fat than men at the same BMI, which is one more reason BMI is a general guide rather than a precise body‑fat reading.
Children and teenagers
For anyone under about 20, BMI is plotted on age‑ and sex‑specific growth charts and reported as a percentile, because healthy body composition changes rapidly as children grow.
Older adults
With age, people tend to lose muscle and bone and gain fat, so the same BMI can mean a different body composition. Some research suggests a slightly higher BMI may be acceptable in older age, which is best discussed with a doctor.
This is general information, not medical advice. BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis — talk to a doctor about what is healthy for you.
Results are estimates for general guidance in Australia and may not reflect the latest local rates, fees or rules. Check official sources before making decisions.