Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
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Body Mass Index / Body Mass Indicator or BMI is an international method to measure obesity. It is an estimate of overall body fat and used as an initial assessment as to whether individuals are at risk for certain health conditions. The higher your BMI number, the more at risk you are to these conditions. To calculate BMI use the following formula. BMI = Weight / Height (squared) x 703. You can also use our calculator below.
It is important to note that BMI is NOT gender specific for adults 20 years of age and older. For teens and children BMI IS gender and age specific.
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Standard Edition BMI (Pounds / Inches) for ADULTS
Enter your height and weight and hit 'Calculate BMI' button.
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| Categories |
| Obese: Over 30 |
| Overweight: 25 - 29.9 |
| Normal: 18.5 - 24.9 |
| Underweight: Below 18.5 |
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Is BMI a Good Indicator of Fatness and Risk?
Although BMI is not a direct measure of body fat, the centers for disease control and prevention states that BMI is a reliable indicator for most people. In fact, research has shown that in many cases BMI translates well with direct body fat methods such as the skin fold test and underwater weighing.
There are certain factors and situations that may cause BMI to be less accurate. You should keep the following in mind when interpreting your BMI. Women typically have more body fat than men at the same BMI. On average older adults have more body fat than younger adults at the same BMI. Athletes could potentially have a high BMI due to muscularity not body fat.
Does having a BMI over 25 Mean That I am Definitely Overweight?
Not necessarily. As explained in the previous section there are times when BMI may not be an accurate measure of body fat. Many times athletes will have a BMI over 25 but are very lean. Since Body Mass Index does not measure fat weight and muscle weight separately, a person who is obese and a person who is fit can have the same BMI. A 5'9 male who is 190 pounds with 7% body fat is most likely walking around with six pack abs. According to BMI, he is overweight, which is not an accurate assessment of his body fat and associated risks. BMI is a reliable indicator for body fatness for MOST people, not everyone.
BMI is only one tool in determining risk factors for certain diseases and conditions linked to weight. The amount of fat around a person's waist and other factors such as high blood pressure should also be taken into account when determining obesity related diseases. Please consult your doctor for more information or if you are concerned with your BMI.
Why You Should Pay Attention to BMI?
Obesity and being overweight are linked to many health conditions. This is not new information. Here are some of these conditions.
- Certain Cancers
- High Blood pressure
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Respiratory conditions
No matter how high your BMI, there is hope and a way to lower your risk for obesity related diseases. The key to healthy living is healthy eating and fitness. Start learning healthy habits today.
Resources
Centers for disease and control and prevention
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute