BMI Calculator Body Mass Index

What is BMI?

BMI, body mass index is an extensively used approach to evaluate a person’s body weight with their height. It is known to be the simplest and fastest screening way to determine people into varied weight status categories. BMI is usually used by healthcare experts and researchers to categorize probable weight health-related risks.

The BMI calculator is one of the best ways to understand the patient’s health status and risks. It is important to understand that BMI is a measurement approach, not a diagnostic tool, and is not even a checker for body fat percentage. It helps in taking into account an individual’s height and weight to form a calculation. With BMI’s calculation, the body size can be measured and is also used for determining how the body weight is linked to the height. Doctors can identify whether the patient is underweight, average weight, overweight, or obese through the BMI approach.

What are the BMI weight categories?

BMI weight categories are divided into four that are underweight- below 18.5, healthy weight- 18.5-24.9, overweight- 24.9- 29.9, and obesity- 30 and above.

It is essential to understand your weight category as it benefits you and the doctor to comprehend health risks. High BMI puts an individual at risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Studies also suggest that if BMI increases then health complications also increase with it.

Calculate your BMI

An individual's BMI is categorized with the use of a mathematical formula. In addition, one can calculate their BMI by using tables that allow one to match weight in pounds to height in inches. Online resources offer handy calculators that assist with BMI calculations.

The calculation is as follows:

BMI = Weight in kilograms divided by Height in square meters.

A BMI that is within the range of 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal. This means that the individual is within the normal weight range for their height. An individual can be classified as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese using a BMI chart.

BMI Chart for adults

Here is a BMI calculator for adults, depending on this, the doctors assess the weight status of an individual as per the following table:

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5-24.9	Normal weight
24.9- 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and above	Obesity

BMI Chart for Children

Here is a BMI chart for children, depending on this, the doctors assess the weight status of an individual as per the following table:

BMI	Weight Status
5th percentile	Underweight
5th percentile to 85th percentile	Normal weight
85th percentile- 95th percentile	Overweight
95th percentile and above	Obesity

BMI Calculator - FAQs

What are the health risks due to high BMI?

People with high BMI or who are obese are at risk of developing conditions like osteoarthritis, cancers, hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, and respiratory issues.

What are the health risks due to low BMI?

Low BMI indicates the risk of growing diseases like depression, cardiovascular disease, dry skin, hair loss, nutrient deficiencies irregular menstruation, difficulty conceiving, osteoporosis, and poor immune system.