Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using your height and weight to gauge if you're at a healthy size. It's a decent screening tool to check for potential weight-related health risks, but definitely not the be-all and end-all. This BMI calculator makes it super easy to run the numbers.
| BMI classification of adults | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Thinness | Normal | Overweight | Obese |
| BMI<18.5 | 18.5≤BMI<25 | 25≤BMI<30 | 30≤BMI |
But listen, if you're a muscular athlete or an older adult who's lost some muscle mass, the BMI may not be totally accurate for you. No sweat though, your doctor can advise if it applies in your case.
Too lazy to use the calculator? No problem, you can do it manually:
Metric BMI Formula:
BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²
Or
BMI = [weight (kg) / height (cm) / height (cm)] x 10,000
Imperial BMI Formula:
BMI = weight (lb) / [height (in)]² x 703
If you're used to expressing your height in feet and inches, you can first convert feet and inches to inches.
Having an overweight or obese BMI puts you at higher risk for some pretty heavy stuff like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. For kids, it can cause breathing issues, fractures, high blood pressure and self-esteem troubles down the line.
On the flip side, if your BMI falls into the underweight zone, you may face problems like nutrition deficiencies, brittle bones, immune system weaknesses, or potential growth and fertility issues. If there's no obvious reason for being extremely underweight, get it checked out by a pro - it could signal an eating disorder or other condition.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends these tips to prevent overweight/obesity:
Tracking your BMI with a calculator can help you work toward a healthy weight. But don't get too obsessed - having a balanced lifestyle is what really counts in the long run. Focus on balanced nutrition, exercise, and get professional advice if needed.