BMI Calculator


BMI introduction

Body Mass Index (BMI) serves as a widely employed measure to evaluate body weight and potential health risks associated with it. It is derived from a person’s weight and height, expressed in kilograms per square meter (kg/m2), where the weight is in kilograms and the height in meters. To calculate BMI, one divides their weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. By comparing the obtained value to established BMI ranges, individuals can determine if they fall into categories like underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

BMI proves to be a practical tool for broadly categorizing a person’s weight status, considering their tissue mass (muscle, fat, and bone) and height. The primary classifications for adults based on BMI are as follows:

  1. Underweight: BMI < 18.5 kg/m²
  2. Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m²
  3. Overweight: BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m²
  4. Obese Class 1: BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m²
  5. Obese Class 2: BMI 35.0–39.9 kg/m²
  6. Obese Class 3 (Very severely obese): BMI ≥ 40.0 kg/m²

To calculate BMI, one may refer to a table, chart, or BMI calculator. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers BMI calculators for adults and children/teens to help determine their weight category.

It is essential to recognize that while BMI is a valuable tool for screening potential weight-related issues and health risks, it does not directly measure body fat or diagnose specific health conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment and interpretation of BMI results.

Overall, BMI is an important indicator used by healthcare experts to assess the risk of health problems associated with excess body weight, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

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