BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), check your weight category, and get health recommendations based on your BMI.
About BMI (Body Mass Index)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value of your weight in relation to your height. It is a commonly used method to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. The formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²).
BMI Categories
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obesity (Class 1): BMI between 30 and 34.9
- Obesity (Class 2): BMI between 35 and 39.9
- Obesity (Class 3): BMI 40 or higher
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful tool for assessing weight status in the general population, it has several limitations:
- It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but low body fat.
- It doesn't account for differences in body composition between men and women.
- It may not be accurate for elderly individuals who have lost muscle mass.
- It doesn't consider where fat is distributed in the body (abdominal fat poses higher health risks).
- BMI ranges may need adjustment for different ethnic groups.
Note
This calculator provides a general assessment of your weight status. For a more comprehensive evaluation of your health, consult with a healthcare professional.