BMI scores only provide us with the starting point for measuring anyone’s healthy body weight.  They are not as accurate if you are an athlete or very muscular as this can push you into a higher BMI category even if you have a healthy level of body fat.  It is also not accurate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people who are frail.  Research has suggested that different scores should be used for people of South Asian origin to reflect their population characteristics.  The numbers shown here should not be used for children – please click on the ‘Check your child’s BMI’ link instead.