The body mass index, or BMI, is a metric for determining the size of an individual’s body. It is calculated by combining a person’s weight and height. The results of a BMI measurement can indicate whether a person’s weight is appropriate for their height.
BMI is a screening technique that can determine whether a person is underweight, has a healthy weight, or is obese. A person’s health risks may increase considerably if their BMI is outside of the healthy range.
Carrying too much weight can lead to a number of health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular issues.
Malnutrition, osteoporosis, and anemia can all be caused by a low weight. The doctor will provide appropriate suggestions.
In adults, BMI does not directly measure body fat and does not take into consideration age, sex, ethnicity, or muscle mass.
It does, however, use standard weight status categories to assist doctors in tracking weight status across groups and identifying potential problems in individuals.
BMI (body mass index) in adults
BMI is calculated by weighing and measuring a person’s height and weight.
• To calculate BMI in metric units, use the following procedure from a trusted source: BMI = kilogrammes per square metre
• To calculate an adult’s BMI, follow these steps: Subtract their weight in kilogrammes (kg) from their height in metres squared (m2)
Because most people measure their height in centimetres (cm), multiply their height in centimetres by 100 to get their height in meters.
Imperial
• The formula is BMI = lbs x 703/in2 when using imperial units.
• Or, to put it another way, multiply a person’s weight in pounds (lbs) by 703. Then multiply by their squared height in inches (in2)
To calculate one’s BMI without having to do the math, one can use a calculator or a chart.
Calculate your BMI
To calculate your BMI, enter your height or weight in either imperial or metric measures.
BMI calculator 2022
| require | require |
Your BMI is......
| BMI | Classification |
|---|---|
| less than 18.5: | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9: | Normal weight |
| 25 - 29.9: | Overweight |
| 30 - 34.9: | Class I Obese |
| 35 - 39.9: | Class II Obese |
| 40 upwards: | Class III Obese |
This BMI calculator is provided solely for educational reasons. Before making any health decisions, seek advice from a medical professional. Because it cannot detect the percentage or distribution of body fat, the BMI is an indirect indicator of health risk and may not be accurate.
Recognizing the outcomes
Standard weight status categories for adults are shown in the table below, along with BMI ranges.
| BMI | Weight status |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Healthy |
| 25.0–29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
BMI of 18.5 or less
You may need to gain weight if your BMI is less than 18.5 because you are underweight. It is suggested that you seek guidance from your doctor or a dietician.
A BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered healthy.
You’re at a healthy weight for your height if your BMI is 18.5-24.9. You can reduce your chance of significant health problems by keeping a healthy weight.
A BMI of 25–29.9 is considered healthy.
You are mildly overweight if your BMI is between 25 and 29.9. For health reasons, you may be advised to lose weight. It is suggested that you seek guidance from your doctor or a dietician.
BMI greater than 30
You are severely overweight if your BMI is greater than 30. If you do not lose weight, your health may be jeopardized. It is suggested that you seek guidance from your doctor or a dietician.
Children and adolescent BMI
BMI is not related to age in adults and is the same for both sexes.
BMI measurement in children and teenagers, on the other hand, is a little different. At different ages, girls and boys develop at different speeds and have varying amounts of body fat. As a result, BMI calculations during childhood and adolescence take age and gender into account.
Because:
• they fluctuate with each month of age
• male and female body types change at various rates
• they change as the kid grows taller, doctors and other health experts do not categorize youngsters by healthy weight ranges.
Children and teenagers’ BMI is calculated in the same way as adults’ BMI is calculated: by measuring height and weight. The BMI figure and the person’s age are then entered into a sex-specific BMI-for-age chart. This will show if the child’s weight is within a healthy range.
BMI calculator and graphs for children and teenagers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has created a calculator that calculates BMI and the matching BMI-for-age percentile on a CDC growth chart for kids and teens.