Calculating BMI

Understanding Your BMI Weight Category

If you want to understand more about your weight in relation to your height, our BMI Calculator is a great tool to start with. While BMI can be used to screen for weight categories and possible health problems attributed to weight, it is not a diagnostic tool to determine body fat or overall health since it does not differentiate between body fat and muscle. To determine if a high BMI is a health risk, a healthcare provider would need to perform further assessments. This page will guide you through what BMI is, how it works, and how it can be used to assess your health.

What is Body Mass Index?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple, widely used method for assessing weight categories such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. It provides a quick estimate of whether your body weight is appropriate for your height. Enter your height and weight into our BMI Calculator and see where you fall on the BMI scale.

Formula & Calculation

Calculate your BMI using this online BMI Calculator!

English - lb/in

Metric - kg/cm

Weight: lb

Height: ft

  in

Weight: kg

Height: m

  cm

BMI: Body Mass Index

underweight

normal

overweight

obese

 

Weight Categories

For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories. These categories are the same for men and women of all body types.The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown below.

BMI	Weight Category
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 – 24.9	Normal or Healthy Weight
25.0 – 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and Above	Obese

Understanding Your BMI Results

• Normal Weight: A BMI in this range suggests that your weight is generally healthy for your height. Maintaining a normal BMI can reduce your risk of various health issues.
• Overweight: A BMI in this category indicates that you may have excess weight for your height. This can increase your risk of developing health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
• Obesity: A BMI obesity range is associated with a higher risk of serious health conditions. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to explore ways to strategize weight management and improve health.

The Limitations of BMI

BMI is a useful tool for screening but has several limitations:

• Does Not Differentiate Between Muscle vs. Fat: BMI cannot distinguish between muscle mass and body fat. This is not a tool to determine body fat percentage. For example, a bodybuilder may have a high BMI due to muscle mass but have low body fat.
• Does Not Account for Distribution of Fat: BMI does not show where fat is distributed in the body, which can be important for assessing health risks.
• Varies by Age and Gender: BMI ranges can differ based on age and gender. Older adults and women often have higher body fat percentages compared to younger adults and men with the same BMI.
• Does Not Reflect Overall Health: Other factors like diet, physical activity, and overall health are important to consider alongside BMI.

Risks Associated with Extreme BMI Values

Understanding the risks associated with extreme Body Mass Index (BMI) values is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Both being underweight and having a high BMI can lead to significant health issues. Specifically, an elevated BMI is strongly linked to several serious conditions:

Cardiovascular Diseases: High BMI is often correlated with elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Type 2 Diabetes: Excess weight can impair insulin function, leading to insulin resistance and a higher likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
• Sleep Apnea: Obesity is commonly associated with sleep apnea, where excess weight can obstruct breathing during sleep.
• Joint Issues: Increased body weight puts extra strain on joints, potentially leading to arthritis and chronic joint pain.
• Certain Cancers: Higher BMI has been connected with a greater risk of various cancers, including breast, colon, and kidney cancers.

By addressing these risks, you can take proactive steps towards a healthier weight and overall well-being.

General Guidelines for Weight Loss Surgery

Guidelines for weight loss surgery approval may include one of the three following health scenarios based on individual health insurance requirements:

• A BMI of 40 or higher 
• A BMI of 35 or higher and a serious health condition related to obesity such as type 2 diabetes, moderate or severe sleep apnea, high blood pressure, or in some cases fatty liver disease
• A BMI of 30 or higher with type 2 diabetes

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