Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value that represents the relationship between your weight and height. It's a simple calculation used to categorize individuals into different weight ranges, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.
BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters:
BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]2
The resulting number is used to assess whether an individual has a healthy body weight for their height. The standard BMI categories are:
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn't directly measure body fat or account for factors like muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.
Person A: Weighs 68 kg and is 1.7 meters tall.
Calculation:
BMI = 68 / (1.7)2 = 68 / 2.89 = 23.53
Result: Person A has a BMI of approximately 23.53, which falls into the "Normal weight" category.
Person B: Weighs 95 kg and is 1.8 meters tall.
Calculation:
BMI = 95 / (1.8)2 = 95 / 3.24 = 29.32
Result: Person B has a BMI of approximately 29.32, which falls into the "Overweight" category.
Higher BMI values are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
For a comprehensive assessment of your health, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider who can consider other factors such as diet, physical activity, and family history.
Other methods like waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat percentage can provide additional insights into your health risks associated with weight.
Understanding your BMI can be a useful starting point for discussing your health with a professional. Use our BMI Calculator to quickly determine your Body Mass Index and learn more about what it means for you.