Body mass index (BMI) calculator

Table of contents

  1. What is body mass index (BMI)?
  2. How is BMI calculated?
  3. BMI categories and what they mean
  4. What is the purpose of BMI?
  5. Limitations of BMI
  6. Promoting a healthier lifestyle with BMI insights

What is body mass index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measurement that helps evaluate whether an individual's weight is within a healthy range based on their height. It's a simple numerical value that gives a snapshot of your body composition, often used by healthcare professionals as an initial health assessment tool.

How is BMI calculated?

BMI is calculated using the following formula:

  • Metric formula:
    BMI=weight (kg)height (m)2BMI=\frac{weight (kg)}{height (m)^2}
  • Imperial formula:
    BMI=weight (lb) × 703height (in)2BMI=\frac{weight (lb) \times 703}{height (in)^2}

For example, if you weigh 70 kg and your height is 1.75 meters:

BMI=701.752=22.86BMI=\frac{70}{1.75^2} = 22.86

This result places you in the "Normal Weight" category.

BMI categories and what they mean

BMI values are divided into categories to help interpret the results:

BMI range Category
Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal weight
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 and above Obesity

These categories provide a general understanding of your body composition, but it's important to consider other factors like muscle mass, age, and gender.

What is the purpose of BMI?

BMI serves as a quick and convenient screening tool for assessing your risk for certain health conditions such as:

  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Hypertension

While it's not a comprehensive diagnostic tool, understanding your BMI can encourage you to make healthier lifestyle choices, such as adopting better eating habits or engaging in regular physical activity.

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a helpful tool, it's not without limitations. For instance:

  • It doesn't differentiate between muscle and fat.
  • It may not accurately reflect health for athletes or individuals with high muscle mass.
  • It doesn't account for factors like body fat distribution or overall fitness levels.

For a more comprehensive health assessment, consider consulting a healthcare professional.

Promoting a healthier lifestyle with BMI insights

Knowing your BMI is the first step toward better health. Once you understand where you stand, you can:

  • Adjust your diet to maintain or achieve a healthy weight.
  • Incorporate regular exercise into your routine.
  • Monitor your progress and stay motivated.