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BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to check if you are in a healthy weight range.

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What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measurement to gauge whether you have a healthy body weight in relation to your height. It's a simple, inexpensive screening method for weight categories that may lead to health problems. The formula used is BMI = kg/m², where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in meters squared.

Understanding the BMI Categories

The BMI score places you into one of the following categories:

  • Underweight (BMI < 18.5): A BMI in this range could indicate that you are not eating enough or may have an underlying medical condition. It's often associated with health risks such as a weakened immune system or osteoporosis.
  • Normal Weight (BMI 18.5 - 24.9): This range is considered optimal for health for most adults. It's associated with the lowest risk of developing chronic diseases.
  • Overweight (BMI 25 - 29.9): Being in the overweight category is linked to an increased risk of developing health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
  • Obese (BMI ≥ 30): A BMI in this range indicates a much higher risk of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, and severe joint pain.

Important Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it's crucial to understand its limitations. BMI does not, and cannot, tell the whole story of a person's health.

  • It doesn't distinguish between fat and muscle: BMI is a measure of weight, not body fat. Highly muscular individuals, like athletes, may have a high BMI but be perfectly healthy because muscle is denser than fat.
  • It doesn't account for body composition: Factors like age, sex, and ethnicity can affect the relationship between BMI and body fat. For example, women tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI.
  • It doesn't consider fat distribution: The location of fat on the body is important for health risks. Fat stored around the abdomen (visceral fat) is more dangerous than fat stored on the hips and thighs. BMI does not measure this.

Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for informational purposes for adults and should not be used as a diagnostic tool. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with a healthcare provider to get a complete picture of your health and to discuss any concerns about your weight.