What is BMI for health and what’s the importance of the results ?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from an individual’s weight and height, calculated using the formula:​

BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²​

This metric provides a general indication of body fatness and is commonly used to categorize individuals into various weight status categories:​

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5​
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9​
• Overweight: BMI 25–29.9​
• Obese: BMI 30 or higher ​Wikipedia

These categories help assess potential health risks associated with body weight. ​

Importance of BMI Results

BMI serves as a useful screening tool to identify individuals who may be at risk for health problems related to underweight or overweight status. For instance, a high BMI can be associated with increased risk for conditions such as:​

• Heart disease​
• Type 2 diabetes​
• High blood pressure​
• Certain cancers ​BMI Calculator USA

Conversely, a low BMI might indicate malnutrition or other underlying health issues. ​

BMI Calculator

Use this calculator to check your body mass index (BMI).

Unit type Metric Imperial

Height

cm.

Please enter value between 125 and 225.

Weight

kg.

Please enter value between 10.0 and 500.0 ( one decimal ).

Height

ft.

in.

Please enter value between 4.2 and 7.3

Weight

lb.

st.

Please enter value between 22.0 and 1000.0 ( one decimal ).

Calculate BMI

Use this calculator to check your body mass index (BMI), which can be a helpful tool in determining your weight category. Or, use it to calculate your child’s BMI.

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is

Based on your input, your BMI is in the category

You

Underweight

Healthy

Overweight

Obese

For your height, a healthy weight would be between kilograms

For your height, a healthy weight would be between lb.

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a convenient and widely used measure, it does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass. Therefore, individuals with high muscle mass, such as athletes, may have a high BMI but low body fat. Additionally, BMI does not account for fat distribution, which can be an important factor in health risk assessment. ​

Complementary Measures

To obtain a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health, BMI should be considered alongside other assessments, such as:​

• Waist circumference: Measures abdominal fat, which is a risk factor for metabolic diseases.​
• Waist-to-hip ratio: Assesses fat distribution.​
• Body composition analysis: Determines the proportion of fat and lean mass in the body.​

These additional measures can provide a more accurate evaluation of health risks associated with body weight. ​Verywell Health

If you’re interested in calculating your BMI, you can use online tools provided by reputable health organizations.