Understand your body mass index and what it means for your health
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults.
Note: BMI may not be accurate for athletes, pregnant women, or the elderly. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used tool to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight relative to their height. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what BMI is, how to calculate it, its limitations, and what your BMI score means for your health.
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It's a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. The formula was developed in the 19th century by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet and has since become a standard screening tool used by healthcare professionals worldwide.
The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The resulting number places you in one of four categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. You can use our advanced BMI calculator at the top of this page to determine your BMI quickly.
Once you've calculated your BMI using our tool, you'll fall into one of these categories:
Did you know? BMI isn't the only measure of health. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other factors also play important roles in assessing health risks. For a more complete picture of your health, consider consulting with a healthcare professional.
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has several limitations that are important to understand:
For these reasons, BMI should be used as a starting point rather than a definitive assessment of health. If you're concerned about your weight or health risks, it's always best to consult with a doctor or dietitian who can provide personalized advice.
Research has consistently shown that having a high BMI increases your risk for numerous health conditions:
While much attention is given to the risks of high BMI, having a BMI that's too low also carries health risks:
If your BMI falls in the underweight category and you're not intentionally trying to lose weight, it's worth discussing this with your healthcare provider.
Whether you need to increase or decrease your BMI, the healthiest approaches involve gradual changes:
For lowering BMI: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains combined with regular physical activity. Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can significantly improve health markers.
For increasing BMI: Choose nutrient-dense foods rather than empty calories. Healthy fats (like nuts and avocados), lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can help build healthy weight.
Remember that BMI is just one indicator of health. Other factors like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and fitness level are equally important. Regular check-ups with your doctor can help you get a complete picture of your health status.
While our calculator is designed for adults, it's important to note that BMI is interpreted differently for children and teens. Pediatric BMI accounts for age and sex differences in body fat as children grow. If you're assessing BMI for someone under 20, consult with a pediatrician or use specialized growth charts.
We hope this guide has helped you understand BMI and its role in health assessment. Don't forget to try our advanced BMI calculator at the top of the page to determine your personal BMI score and what it means for your health journey.