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Body Mass Index Calculator & Formula
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
Underweight
Normal
Overweight
Obese
BMI Formula
Metric Units: BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]²
Imperial Units: BMI = (Weight (lbs) / [Height (in)]²) * 703
Explanation
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a method used to determine if your weight is healthy relative to your height. It’s a simple measure that provides a quick indicator of whether you fall into the underweight, normal, overweight, or obese categories, based on standardized health benchmarks. However, BMI does not account for factors like muscle mass or fat distribution, so it’s important to consider it along with other health metrics.
Real-Life Example
Metric Example: If you weigh 70 kg and are 170 cm (1.7 m) tall, your BMI is calculated as:
BMI = 70 ÷ (1.7)² = 24.22, placing you in the ‘Normal’ category.
Imperial Example: If you weigh 154 lbs and are 67 inches tall, your BMI is calculated as:
BMI = (154 ÷ (67)²) × 703 = 24.11, also placing you in the ‘Normal’ category.
BMI Benchmarks
BMI < 18.5: Underweight.
BMI 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight.
BMI 25 – 29.9: Overweight.
BMI ≥ 30: Obese.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to determine if your weight is in a healthy range. It’s commonly used to assess if someone is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.
How do I calculate my Body Mass Index (BMI)?
To calculate your BMI using metric units, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. For imperial units, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, and then multiply by 703.
What is a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) range?
A healthy BMI typically falls between 18.5 and 24.9. BMI values below 18.5 are considered underweight, while values above 25 indicate overweight or obesity.
Why is Body Mass Index (BMI) important?
BMI is important because it provides an indicator of whether a person is at a healthy weight, which is linked to the risk of developing weight-related conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.
Is Body Mass Index (BMI) the only measure of health?
While BMI is a useful tool, it doesn’t take into account muscle mass, fat distribution, or other factors that contribute to overall health. It’s best used alongside other health assessments.
