What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index or BMI is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is considered healthy. The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared. For most adults an ideal BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range. It is a widely used screening tool to identify potential weight problems for adults.

How to Use the Calculator

To find your BMI simply follow these steps:

• Select Your Units: Choose between Metric (centimeters, kilograms) or Imperial (feet, inches, pounds).
• Enter Your Height: Provide your height in the corresponding fields.
• Enter Your Weight: Provide your current weight.

The calculator will then display your BMI score, show which category you fall into, and visualize your result on the BMI scale.

Understanding BMI Categories

The standard BMI categories used by health organizations are as follows:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy Weight
• 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
• 30.0 and Above: Obesity

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a useful indicator of healthy weight for a large portion of the population, it does have significant limitations. It is important to remember that BMI is a simple screening tool and not a diagnostic one. The main limitation is that it does not distinguish between excess fat, muscle, or bone mass. Very muscular individuals, like bodybuilders or athletes, may have a high BMI that classifies them as overweight or obese even though their body fat is low. Conversely an older person with low muscle mass might have a healthy BMI but still have too much body fat. BMI also does not consider factors like age, sex, or fat distribution.

Disclaimer: This calculator is intended for informational purposes for adults and should not be used for diagnosis. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment regarding your health and weight.