BMI Calculator
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of the ratio of a person's body weight to their height. It is also sometimes called the Quetelet-Kaup index after its two inventors.
You can either enter all dimensions metric (cm, kg) or imperial (ft, in, lb). The form converts your data.
BMI Index Meaning
| BMI Index | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Less than 15 | very severely underweight |
| 15.0 - 18.4 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 - 34.9 | Obesity grade I (moderately overweight) |
| 35 - 39.9 | Obesity grade II (very overweight) |
| Over 40 | Obesity grade III (very overweight) |
Note: The BMI establishes a relationship between weight and the square of height, but does not provide any information about the composition of body weight, which, as is well known, must take into account not only fat but also muscle. The BMI is therefore completely unsuitable for assessing children or highly trained people, as they can easily reach a BMI of 30 without having a single proverbial gram of fat on their body. For example, the BMI of boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko at 1.98 m and 110 kg is 28.1, but nobody would think of claiming that Klitschko was overweight. Age and the health relevance of body fat in different parts of the body are also not taken into account. Despite these shortcomings, the BMI has been used for years to assess weight. The WHtR - the Waist-to-Height Ratio - is much more meaningful.
Frequently asked Questions
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It's a number calculated from your weight and height. The formula is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. It helps to determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
To calculate your BMI, you need to know your weight in kilograms and your height in meters. The formula is BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) * height (m)). For example, if you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75 meters tall, your BMI would be 22.9.
BMI categories are as follows: Underweight (BMI < 18.5), Normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), Overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and Obesity (BMI 30 and above). These categories help doctors determine your risk for health issues related to weight.
BMI is a useful tool, but it's not perfect. It doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition. Some athletes might have a high BMI but are actually healthy. It's important to consider other factors like diet, activity level, and overall health.
If your BMI is high, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. They can help you understand what the number means for your health. Often, they will suggest changes in diet and exercise. Sometimes, more help like medication or surgery is needed. Always get advice from a healthcare professional.
The information provided on obesity-network.com is intended for general informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. The content on obesity-network.com is not intended for use in self-diagnosis or self-treatment. For more information see the detailed disclaimer.