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This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. BMI is a screening tool and may not reflect body composition accurately for all individuals. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized health advice. See our Terms of Service for more information.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool that measures your body weight relative to your height. Developed in the 19th century by Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet, BMI provides a simple numeric measure to classify individuals into different weight categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.
Healthcare professionals worldwide use BMI as a quick assessment tool to identify potential weight-related health risks. While BMI is not a direct measure of body fat or overall health, it serves as a useful starting point for conversations about weight management and wellness.
Our free BMI calculator makes it easy to calculate your Body Mass Index in seconds:
BMI categories are standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and provide a general guideline for weight classification:
May indicate malnutrition or other health issues. Consider consulting a healthcare provider about healthy weight gain strategies.
Indicates a healthy weight range associated with lower health risks. Maintain through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
May increase risk for chronic diseases. Consider lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise to reach a healthier weight.
Associated with higher risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Professional medical guidance recommended.
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it's important to understand its limitations:
A healthy BMI for adults is typically between 18.5 and 24.9. However, what's "healthy" can vary based on individual factors including muscle mass, bone density, age, and ethnicity.
BMI is reasonably accurate for most people as a general screening tool. However, it may be less accurate for athletes, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and certain ethnic groups. It should be used alongside other health assessments.
Yes, BMI naturally tends to increase with age as metabolism slows and muscle mass decreases. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage these changes.
Not necessarily. BMI is just one indicator. Consult with a healthcare provider who can assess your overall health, body composition, and individual circumstances before making decisions about weight loss.
Consider waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and overall fitness level. Also important are blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar. A comprehensive health assessment provides the best picture.
Remember: BMI is just one tool for assessing health. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice and before making any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.