A person has overweight if they have a BMI of 25 to 29.9. However, BMI takes into account a person's total weight, which includes adipose (fat) tissue but also incorporates other components of the body like fluid, muscle, and bones that may influence a person’s weight. For instance, the BMI of a person with increased lean mass (e.g., athletes) is not an accurate predictor of their overall fat mass.[1]
As opposed to being a full measure of health, BMI is best viewed as a screening tool for excess adiposity. Having overweight may increase the risk of developing chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease or diabetes, but BMI alone does not determine a person’s health status. Instead, other factors such as existing comorbidities, quality of life, and adipose tissue distribution should be considered when assessing a person’s overall health.[2]