What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
BMI is a tool used to figure out if someone is underweight, overweight, or obese, and if they're at a healthy weight for their height. The majority of adults 20 and older have a BMI.
BMI is a way to gauge how much body fat someone has by considering their weight in relation to their height. It helps estimate tissue mass and is a common tool to determine if someone's weight is appropriate for their height.
How to Calculate BMI?
The BMI calculator is a simple calculation using the person's height and weight. To determine your result, multiply your weight in kilograms by your height in square meters. You can still calculate your BMI if you know how much you weigh in centimeters and how tall you are in inches.
What is the Formula in Finding BMI?
BMI Formula = kg/m2
Here,
kg = Person's weight in kilogrammes
m2 = Height in meters squared
To calculate your BMI, follow these steps:
- Enter your age
- Choose your gender
- To obtain the best results, measure and enter your exact height and weight.
- Calculate your BMI
Understanding the BMI Results
- Less than 18.5 = Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9 = Healthy weight/ Normal BMI
- 25 to 29.9 = Overweight
- 30.0-34.9 = Obese
- 35 or Higher = Extremely Obese
Underweight: Being underweight indicates that you are not eating properly or that you are afflicted with sickness.
Healthy weight: Your weight is normal and maintain the same healthy weight by following the best diet.
Overweight: If you're overweight, stick to a healthy diet and do regular exercise.
Obese: Obesity and overweight are both classified as abnormal or excessive fat buildup that poses a health concern.
Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 or higher and Obesity is defined as BMI of 30 or higher.
BMI Calculator for Men and Women
The result of BMI will determine the considerable amount of body fat in an individual, allowing the doctor to mitigate any health risk arising from the same.
If a person is above the average, then they may be obese. Obesity can lead to some health issues.
| Standard Weight | BMI |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5-24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0-29.0 |
| Obese | 30.0-34.9 |
| Extremely Obese | 35.0 and higher |
What are the Benefits of BMI?
It's a useful tool for calculating where a person will understand whether the weight falls on the scale from underweight to overweight. This will also help people in maintaining a moderate weight that can reduce the risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Stroke
What are the Drawbacks of BMI?
It's a useful tool for calculating where a person will understand whether the weight falls on the scale from underweight to overweight. This will also help people in maintaining a moderate weight that can reduce the risk of:
- The result is estimated based on height and weight, such as BMI, resulting in a 5% to 6% error. This error occurs because the body reflects muscle and bone mass, not just fat mass.
- Sometimes, obese individuals will likely tend to underestimate their weight.
- People with short heights may likely overestimate their height.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal BMI?
A normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. It means your weight is normal and you maintain the same healthy diet.
How can I Calculate my BMI?
To determine your result, multiply your weight in kilograms by your height in square meters.
BMI Formula = kg/m2 (kg is the weight of the body and m2 is the height).
What Does My BMI Mean?
The body mass index (BMI) is a screening measure that determines if a person is underweight, overweight, or obese, as well as whether they are at a healthy weight for their height.
What is a Good BMI for My Age?
A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered optimum. Overweight is defined as a BMI of 25 to 29.9. Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 or higher.
