BMI Calculator

How BMI Is Calculated

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value calculated from your weight and height. It provides a simple way to estimate whether you have a healthy body weight.

The resulting number is then categorized into ranges that indicate whether someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has several limitations to be aware of:

• BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but not be overweight.
• BMI doesn't account for age, gender, ethnicity, or body composition, which can affect what's considered a healthy weight.
• BMI doesn't measure body fat distribution, which is important since excess abdominal fat may be more concerning than fat in other areas.
• For certain populations (elderly, pregnant women, children), standard BMI categories may not apply.

BMI is best used as one of several tools to assess health, not as the sole determinant. Consult with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive assessment.