Scale to GramsAverage BMI by Age and Gender in the US
Quick Answer
The average BMI in the US is 29.5 for men and 29.6 for women, both at the upper edge of the overweight category. Over 70% of US adults have a BMI of 25 or higher. Numbers come from CDC NHANES, the national health survey.
Calculate Your BMIAvg BMI (men)
29.5
just under obese
Avg BMI (women)
29.6
just under obese
Adults with BMI 25+
~73%
overweight or obese
Average BMI for US Adults (20+)
The most recent CDC NHANES survey shows average BMIs that have crept just under the obese threshold for both genders. Both averages have grown about 4 points since 1980.
| Group | Average BMI | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Men 20+ | 29.5 | Overweight (high) |
| Women 20+ | 29.6 | Overweight (high) |
| All adults 20+ | 29.6 | Overweight (high) |
Average BMI by Age Group
BMI tends to rise from young adulthood through middle age, then plateaus or slightly declines. The 60-69 age group has the highest average BMI for both men and women.
| Age range | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 27.8 | 27.7 |
| 30-39 | 29.7 | 29.4 |
| 40-49 | 29.9 | 30.1 |
| 50-59 | 30.1 | 30.7 |
| 60-69 | 30.5 | 30.7 |
| 70-79 | 29.7 | 30.0 |
| 80+ | 27.8 | 28.6 |
Average BMI by Ethnicity
BMI averages vary across major US demographic groups, with some differences linked to body composition (where fat is stored, muscle distribution).
| Group | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Hispanic White | 29.6 | 29.4 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 29.7 | 32.5 |
| Hispanic | 29.7 | 30.5 |
| Non-Hispanic Asian | 26.3 | 25.4 |
How Average BMI Has Changed Since 1960
The average US adult was meaningfully lighter just two generations ago. Average BMI has climbed about 4-5 points since the 1960s, equivalent to gaining roughly 25-30 lbs at the same height.
| Decade | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| 1960-62 | 25.1 | 24.9 |
| 1971-74 | 25.3 | 25.2 |
| 1988-94 | 26.6 | 26.5 |
| 1999-2002 | 27.9 | 28.2 |
| 2007-10 | 28.7 | 28.7 |
| 2017-20 | 29.2 | 29.5 |
| Most recent | 29.5 | 29.6 |
Distribution of Adults by BMI Category
Today's breakdown of US adults across BMI categories. Less than a third of adults have a BMI in the healthy range.
| Category | % of US adults |
|---|---|
| Underweight (< 18.5) | 1.5% |
| Healthy weight (18.5-24.9) | 26% |
| Overweight (25-29.9) | 31% |
| Obese Class 1 (30-34.9) | 23% |
| Obese Class 2 (35-39.9) | 11% |
| Obese Class 3 (40+) | 7.5% |
Where Do You Stand?
If your BMI is below 25, you are in the leaner third of US adults. If you are between 25 and 30, you are in the largest single group. If you are above 30, you share company with about 41% of US adults. None of these placements are good or bad on their own — context (body composition, fitness, health markers) matters more than rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average BMI for an American man?+
The average BMI for a US adult man is 29.5, which is at the high end of the overweight category. The average peaks in the 60-69 age group at 30.5.
What is the average BMI for an American woman?+
The average BMI for a US adult woman is 29.6, also at the high end of the overweight category. Women in the 60-69 age group average 30.7.
What percentage of Americans are overweight?+
About 31% of US adults are overweight (BMI 25-29.9). Another 41-42% are obese (BMI 30+). Combined, roughly 73% of US adults have a BMI of 25 or higher.
Why has average BMI increased so much since the 1960s?+
Several factors: more sedentary work, more processed and ultra-processed food, larger restaurant portions, sweetened drinks replacing water, and reduced sleep. Genes have not changed, the environment has.
Is the average BMI different by ethnicity?+
Yes. Non-Hispanic Asian adults have the lowest average BMI in the US (26 men, 25 women). Non-Hispanic Black women have the highest (32.5). Differences reflect a mix of genetics, body composition, and socioeconomic factors.
Is being below average BMI healthy?+
Usually yes, as long as you are above 18.5 (the underweight threshold). Since the average is in the overweight category, being below average puts you in healthier territory by default.
Why does BMI peak in the 60s and decline after?+
Two things happen. Older adults often lose muscle mass (which lowers BMI) and may also have reduced appetite. The very oldest adults still alive also tend to have always had healthier BMIs, biasing the average down.
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