Is a BMI of 24 Good?
Instant Answer
Yes — a BMI of 24 is good. It sits comfortably in the upper portion of the normal weight range (18.5–24.9). At 175 cm (5'9"), this equals about 73.5 kg (162 lbs). While it's close to the overweight threshold of 25, a BMI of 24 is associated with low chronic disease risk and healthy metabolic function for most adults.
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Yes — a BMI of 24 is good. It sits comfortably in the upper portion of the norma 💪 — calculated at snapbodycalc.com
BMI 24 in Context: Where You Stand
A BMI of 24 places you in the upper-normal range — just 1 point below the overweight threshold of 25. For context, here's what BMI 24 looks like at different heights: at 160 cm (5'3"), it's approximately 61.4 kg (135 lbs). At 170 cm (5'7"), it's 69.4 kg (153 lbs). At 175 cm (5'9"), it's 73.5 kg (162 lbs). At 180 cm (5'11"), it's 77.8 kg (171 lbs). At 185 cm (6'1"), it's 82.1 kg (181 lbs). According to the World Health Organization, any BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is classified as normal weight. A landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine analyzing 900,000 adults found that the lowest mortality rates occurred in the BMI 22.5–25 range — exactly where BMI 24 sits.
Health Benefits at BMI 24
People with a BMI of 24 enjoy several evidence-based health advantages. Cardiovascular risk remains low — blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides are typically within healthy ranges. Type 2 diabetes risk is substantially lower than at BMI 25+ — each point of BMI above 25 increases diabetes risk by approximately 20%. Joint health is preserved — your knees, hips, and ankles aren't bearing excess load. Hormonal balance is maintained — testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid function operate optimally in this range. Sleep quality is generally better — sleep apnea risk is minimal. However, BMI 24 doesn't guarantee perfect health. Your lifestyle habits, diet quality, exercise routine, and genetics all play crucial roles beyond the number.
BMI 24 for Men vs. Women
The BMI scale doesn't differentiate by gender, but body composition at BMI 24 differs significantly. Men at BMI 24 typically carry 17–22% body fat, which is considered healthy to athletic. Most men at this BMI feel comfortable with their physique and maintain good muscle definition if they exercise regularly. Women at BMI 24 typically carry 25–31% body fat — within the healthy range but higher than men due to essential fat for reproductive function. Many women at BMI 24 describe themselves as 'curvy' or 'fit-looking.' Both genders at BMI 24 are in an excellent position health-wise. Use our body fat calculator to understand your specific composition beyond the BMI number.
Should You Try to Lower Your BMI from 24?
In most cases, no. A BMI of 24 is healthy, and actively trying to lower it could lead to unnecessary dietary restriction. If you're happy with your energy levels, fitness, and how you feel, maintaining BMI 24 is a perfectly sound decision. That said, there are situations where aiming for a lower BMI makes sense: if your waist circumference exceeds 94 cm / 37 in (men) or 80 cm / 31.5 in (women), you may carry excess visceral fat despite a normal BMI. If you have a family history of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, a slightly lower BMI (21–23) may provide additional protection. If your body fat percentage is high despite a normal BMI ('skinny fat' or normal weight obesity), improving body composition through exercise is more beneficial than weight loss.
Maintaining BMI 24: Practical Tips
To stay at BMI 24 long-term, focus on energy balance. Calculate your TDEE — for a moderately active person at BMI 24, this is typically 2,000–2,600 calories (8,400–10,900 kJ) depending on height, age, and gender. Build meals around whole foods: lean proteins (chicken, fish, eggs, legumes), complex carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, fruits), and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocados). Exercise 150+ minutes per week — a mix of cardio and strength training. Strength training is particularly important as it preserves muscle mass and metabolic rate as you age. Monitor your weight monthly rather than daily — a stable 7-day average confirms you're at maintenance. Allow for natural fluctuations of 1–2 kg (2–4 lbs) from water, food volume, and hormones.
BMI 24 Compared to Other Values
For perspective, here's how BMI 24 compares to other common values. BMI 20: solidly mid-normal, associated with the lowest all-cause mortality in some studies. BMI 22: often cited as 'ideal' by health organizations. BMI 24: upper-normal, still associated with excellent health outcomes. BMI 25: the overweight threshold — modestly elevated health risks begin. BMI 27: clearly overweight, with measurable increases in blood pressure and blood sugar. BMI 30: obesity threshold, significantly elevated disease risk. At BMI 24, you're in a comfortable position — close enough to 'ideal' that no intervention is necessary, while far enough from the risk zones that chronic disease probability remains low. If anything, focus on fitness and body composition rather than chasing a lower BMI number.