BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index and understand what it means for your health
Calculate Your BMI
Your BMI Result
BMI Chart
BMI Categories Visualization
Visual comparison of different body types based on BMI categories
Underweight
BMI < 18.5
Healthy Weight
BMI 18.5-24.9
Overweight
BMI 25-29.9
Obese
BMI ≥ 30
Understanding Body Mass Index
What BMI means and how to interpret your results
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared. A BMI of 25.0 or more is overweight, while the healthy range is 18.5 to 24.9. BMI applies to most adults 18-65 years.
BMI Categories
BMI Limitations
While BMI can be a useful tool for identifying potential weight issues, it has several limitations:
- Muscle Mass: BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes may have a high BMI due to muscle mass, not excess fat.
- Body Composition: It doesn't account for differences in bone density, muscle, or fat distribution.
- Age and Sex: BMI may not be as accurate for older adults who have lost muscle mass or for differences between sexes.
- Ethnicity: Different ethnic groups may have different body compositions and health risks at the same BMI.
- Pregnancy: BMI is not applicable for pregnant women.
Health Implications
Research has shown that having a BMI in the overweight or obese range increases your risk for:
Heart Disease
Including heart attack and heart failure
Type 2 Diabetes
High blood sugar levels
Stroke
Blocked blood flow to the brain
Hypertension
High blood pressure
Certain Cancers
Including colon, breast, and kidney
Sleep Apnea
Interrupted breathing during sleep
Similarly, being underweight can lead to health problems including nutritional deficiencies, weakened immune system, and fertility issues.
Beyond BMI
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it's just one factor to consider in assessing health. Other important measures include waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and family history. For a comprehensive health assessment, consult with a healthcare professional.
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