Which BMI range is considered healthy for adults age 20 and older?

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For adults age 20 and older, a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered to be in the healthy weight range.123

It is important to note that while BMI is a widely used standard for assessing weight status, it is an estimate of total body fat rather than a direct measurement. Because it does not account for factors such as muscle mass, bone density, or body composition, it may not accurately reflect the health of all individuals, such as athletes. Consequently, many health professionals now consider it one of several tools for evaluating health rather than a sole indicator.123