BMI Categories
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 30+ |
Check your Body Mass Index and understand your health category
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 30+ |
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measurement that helps determine whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. It is calculated using a simple mathematical formula and is commonly used by doctors, fitness experts, and health organizations worldwide.
BMI provides a quick way to categorize individuals into different weight groups such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Although it does not directly measure body fat, it is considered a useful screening tool for identifying potential health risks.
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
For example, if a person weighs 70 kg and has a height of 1.75 meters, their BMI would be:
70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.86
This result falls within the normal weight range.
These categories are defined by global health organizations and are widely used in countries like the United States, UK, and Australia.
BMI helps identify whether you are at risk for serious health conditions such as:
Maintaining a healthy BMI can significantly improve your overall well-being and reduce long-term health risks.
While BMI is useful, it has some limitations:
For a more accurate health assessment, BMI should be combined with other measurements like body fat percentage and waist circumference.
BMI calculation is the same for both men and women, but body composition differs. Women generally have higher body fat percentages than men at the same BMI.
This is why BMI should be used as a general guideline rather than an exact health indicator.
A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for most adults.
BMI is a general guideline and may not be accurate for athletes or muscular individuals.
For children, BMI is calculated differently and uses age and gender-specific charts.
You can check your BMI every few months to track your health progress.