BMI Calculator

Body Mass Index

Enter your height and weight to calculate your body mass index.

Understanding Body Mass Index

This is a simple numerical measurement that evaluates whether a person has a healthy body weight in relation to their height. It's widely used as a screening tool to identify potential weight problems in adults.

How It's Calculated

Metric Formula: Weight in kilograms ÷ (Height in meters)²

Imperial Formula: (Weight in pounds ÷ (Height in inches)²) × 703

Categories for Adults

  • Underweight: Below 18.5
  • Healthy weight: 18.5 to 24.9
  • Overweight: 25 to 29.9
  • Obesity Class I: 30 to 34.9
  • Obesity Class II: 35 to 39.9
  • Obesity Class III: 40 or higher

Important Considerations

While this is a useful screening tool, it has several limitations:

  • Doesn't directly measure body fat
  • Doesn't account for muscle mass
  • Doesn't consider fat distribution
  • May not be appropriate for certain populations

For a more comprehensive health assessment, healthcare professionals often combine this measurement with other metrics like waist-to-hip ratio, body composition analysis, and blood tests.

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