BMI Calculator
BMI Guide: Understanding Your Body Mass Index
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple way to check if your weight is healthy for your height. This guide explains:
✅ What BMI is & how to calculate it
✅ BMI categories (Underweight to Obese)
✅ Limitations of BMI
✅ Healthy ways to improve your BMI
1. What is BMI?
BMI = Body Mass Index, a screening tool that estimates body fat based on height and weight.
Formula:
BMI=Weight (kg)Height2 (m)BMI=Height2(m)Weight(kg)
(Example: 70kg ÷ (1.75m × 1.75m) = 22.9 → Normal weight)
🔹 Metric (kg/cm):
BMI=Weight (kg)(Height (cm)÷100)2BMI=(Height(cm)÷100)2Weight(kg)
🔹 Imperial (lbs/in):
BMI=Weight (lbs)×703(Height (in))2BMI=(Height(in))2Weight(lbs)×703
(Use our free BMI calculator for instant results!)
2. BMI Categories
BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
< 18.5 | Underweight | 🟡 Higher risk of malnutrition, weak immunity |
18.5 – 24.9 | Normal | 🟢 Lowest risk of weight-related diseases |
25 – 29.9 | Overweight | 🟠 Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease |
≥ 30 | Obese | 🔴 High risk of severe health issues |
📌 Note: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. Athletes (high muscle) and seniors (low muscle) may get misleading results.
3. Limitations of BMI
While useful, BMI doesn’t measure:
❌ Body fat % (muscle vs. fat)
❌ Fat distribution (belly fat is riskier)
❌ Bone density or age differences
Better alternatives:
- Waist-to-hip ratio
- Body fat calipers
- DEXA scans
4. How to Improve Your BMI
If Your BMI is Too High (Overweight/Obese)
- Eat more protein & fiber (keeps you full longer)
- Reduce sugary drinks & processed foods
- Walk 10,000+ steps daily (burns extra calories)
- Strength training (muscle burns more fat)
If Your BMI is Too Low (Underweight)
- Eat calorie-dense foods (nuts, avocados, whole milk)
- Strength training (builds healthy muscle)
- Small, frequent meals (easier digestion)
5. When to See a Doctor
Consult a healthcare provider if:
⚠️ Your BMI is < 16 or > 35
⚠️ You have unexplained weight loss/gain
⚠️ You feel fatigued, dizzy, or short of breath
Final Thoughts
BMI is a starting point—not the full story. Pair it with other health checks (blood pressure, cholesterol) for a complete picture.