BMI Calculator
BMI is a measure of weight health that takes into account your height. There isn’t a universal “ideal weight,” but BMI can assist most adults in recognizing their weight-related health risks. BMI is determined for both males and females through dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared.
BMI Calculator
About BMI
What Does My BMI Number Mean?
BMI (Body Mass Index) measures how your weight compares to your height.
The BMI measurement categorizes individuals who are 20 years old and above into four main weight classifications:
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy Weight
- 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
- 30.0 and above: Obesity
Individuals with Asian heritage might face increased health dangers even with a lower body mass index. Individuals in this category could fall into the overweight category with a BMI ranging from 23 to 25, and fall into the obese category with a BMI of 25 or higher.
Children have a unique method for calculating their BMI. BMI is a measure for children and teenagers under 20 years old, indicating how they compare in weight to others of the same age and gender. This is due to the fact that boys and girls have varying body fat compositions which frequently change as they develop. There are four levels of percentages.
- Less than 5th percentile: Underweight
- 5th percentile to less than 85th percentile: Healthy weight
- 85th percentile to less than 95th percentile: Overweight
- Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile: Obesity
What Does My BMI Measurement Not Tell Me?
BMI serves as a screening tool to indicate whether you are potentially at risk for health issues related to your weight. However, since it does not directly assess fat levels, there are certain significant factors it cannot consider.
Where fat is stored in your body: One of the most important factors not revealed by BMI is the distribution of body fat. Subcutaneous fat is located directly beneath your skin and is visible to the eye. However, visceral fat surrounds your organs and affects your health the most. An increased level of this kind of fat heightens the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, specific cancers, and other severe health issues.
Age: The percentage of body fat relative to overall body weight starts to increase around the age of 30.
Gender: Women (or individuals assigned female at birth) typically have approximately 10% higher body fat levels than men (or individuals assigned male at birth) with the same BMI.
Race or ethnicity: Varied races or ethnicities may display varying body compositions at identical BMIs. This consists of factors like bone density, body fat percentage, and overall body dimensions.
Muscle mass: BMI assesses weight in relation to height. It doesn’t assess the proportion of muscle in your total weight. Having a higher proportion of muscle to body weight can result in the same BMI as having a higher percentage of body fat.
Pregnancy: It is not advisable to rely on BMI to determine if you have a healthy weight. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate weight range for you currently.
How to Use Your BMI Range?
A BMI range informs you of which weight category you fall into. When compared to other tests your doctor can do, it is a reliable indicator of whether being in that weight range could raise your chances of experiencing certain severe health issues.
However, on its own, it does not indicate whether you are “overweight” or “underweight.” It cannot determine your health status or provide a diagnosis for any medical conditions. Have a conversation with your doctor regarding your weight and BMI. They can assist you in comprehending it within the context of your overall health and guide you in making personalized decisions.