What Your BMI Score Means and How to Use Our Calculator

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a widely used metric to assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight for a person of their height. While it's not a perfect measure of health, it provides a useful starting point for understanding your weight category.

How is BMI Calculated?

The formula is simple: weight (kg) / [height (m)]². Our BMI Calculator does the math for you instantly, whether you use metric (kg/cm) or imperial (lbs/inches) units.

Understanding Your Results

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), BMI categories are generally defined as follows:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obesity: BMI 30 or greater

Limitations of BMI

It's important to remember that BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic of body fatness or health. It does not distinguish between weight from muscle and weight from fat.

• Athletes: May have a high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body fatness.
• Elderly: May have a normal BMI but low muscle mass and high body fat.

Next Steps

If your BMI falls outside the "Normal" range, don't panic. It's a signal to look closer at your lifestyle habits.

• Consult a Professional: Talk to a doctor or registered dietitian for a comprehensive health assessment.
• Focus on Habits: regardless of the number, focusing on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep is always beneficial.

Use our calculator to track your progress over time, but always prioritize how you feel and other health markers over a single number.