Body Mass Index (BMI)
Your BMI Score is:
0
Normal
BMI Categories (WHO)
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obesity | > 30 |
A Complete Guide to Understanding Your BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of a person's leanness or corpulence based on their height and weight. It is widely used as a general indicator of whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
1. The BMI Formula
While our calculator does the work for you, the mathematical formula used is:
- Metric Units: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)
- Imperial Units: BMI = 703 × Weight (lbs) / Height² (in²)
2. Risks Associated with Being Overweight
Being overweight increases the risk of a number of serious diseases and health conditions, including:
- High Blood Pressure: Increased strain on arteries.
- Heart Disease: Higher risk of coronary issues.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Difficulty regulating blood sugar.
- Sleep Apnea: Breathing problems during sleep.
3. Limitations of BMI
Although BMI is a useful tool, it has limitations. It does not account for:
- Muscle Mass: Athletes may have a high BMI but low body fat.
- Bone Density: Heavier bones can increase BMI results.
- Age & Gender: Older adults store fat differently.
