BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and understand what it means for your health.
Your BMI
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Health Insights
Health Risk
Healthy Weight Range (BMI 18.5-24.9)
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Understanding BMI (Body Mass Index)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from your height and weight. It is widely used as a screening tool to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI provides a simple and inexpensive method to assess body composition and potential health risks.
BMI Categories
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Increased risk for nutritional deficiencies and osteoporosis |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest risk for health problems |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight | Increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure |
| 30.0 - 34.9 | Obesity (Class 1) | High risk for health problems |
| 35.0 - 39.9 | Obesity (Class 2) | Very high risk for health problems |
| 40.0 and above | Obesity (Class 3) | Extremely high risk for health problems |
BMI Formula
The BMI formula differs slightly depending on the unit of measurement:
- Metric Units: BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²)
- Imperial Units: BMI = 703 × weight (lb) / height² (in²)
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has several limitations:
- It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI despite having low body fat.
- It doesn't account for age, gender, ethnicity, or body composition.
- It doesn't indicate where fat is distributed in the body. Abdominal fat carries higher health risks than fat in other areas.
- It may not be accurate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly, or growing children and teens.
Beyond BMI: Other Health Indicators
For a more comprehensive assessment of health, consider these additional measurements:
- Waist Circumference: A waist measurement of over 35 inches (88 cm) for women and over 40 inches (102 cm) for men indicates increased health risk.
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio: Dividing your waist measurement by your hip measurement can indicate abdominal fat distribution.
- Body Fat Percentage: Directly measuring body fat percentage provides a more accurate assessment of body composition than BMI.
- Metabolic Health Markers: Blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and other lab tests can provide important information about your health.
Using BMI Results
Your BMI result is a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider. It should be considered alongside other factors such as:
- Family history
- Physical activity level
- Diet quality
- Smoking status
- Existing health conditions
Remember that BMI is just one tool to assess health risk. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on your complete health profile.