Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
Body Mass Index (BMI)
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. It is used as a screening tool to classify individuals into different weight categories, such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity. BMI helps in assessing whether a person is at a healthy weight for their height.
Why is BMI Important?
BMI is important because it gives an indication of whether an individual’s weight falls within a healthy range. It can also highlight potential risks for health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Although BMI is a useful tool, it doesn’t account for factors such as muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution.
BMI Categories
Here are the general BMI categories based on the classification of the World Health Organization (WHO).
| BMI Range | Category | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | A BMI less than 18.5 indicates that you are underweight and may need to gain weight for health reasons. |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal Weight | A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy range, indicating an ideal weight for your height. |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight | A BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 suggests that you are overweight and may want to take steps to manage your weight. |
| 30.0 and above | Obese | A BMI of 30.0 or higher indicates obesity, which may increase the risk of health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. |