Our male, using the BMI calculator is borderline 'obese'. He is 6'2" and 230 pounds. His BMI, using this date is 29.5 (the obesity range begins at 30).
In fact, the BMI table suggests he needs to lose 35 pounds just to be at the upper end of his "normal" weight range. If you met him in person, you would realize that there is absolutely no way he is carrying 35 pounds of excess body fat - he is very muscular and rock solid (i.e. a hunk
).
As others have said/implied: the BMI will overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
There are variations of BMI which require a physical exam to determine precise body fat percentage. In the absence of an accurate body fat data, BMI is rendered somewhat useless as an indicator of HWP.
I believe the latest US census shows that the average female is 5'5" tall and 150 pounds. Using the BMI calculator, the average american woman is overweight. When people consider HWP, they are probably thinking in relative terms. An average woman (5'5" and 150 pounds) is probably considered HWP by many people. (I would say it is 'borderline' HWP.)