BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to know if you are at a healthy weight.
Body Stats
Your BMI
BMI Score
0.0
Understanding Your BMI Result
Body Mass Index is a screening tool, not a diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.
BMI Categories (Standard)
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obesity | 30 and Above |
Why focus on Healthy Weight?
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for:
- Heart Health: Reduces load on the heart and lowers blood pressure.
- Joint Health: Less stress on knees and hips.
- Metabolic Health: Lower risk of diabetes and cholesterol issues.
- Energy Levels: Better sleep and more stamina.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m² where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m² is their height in metres squared.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes or bodybuilders may have a high BMI due to muscle mass but not be 'overweight'. It also underestimates body fat in elderly people who have lost muscle.
What is a healthy BMI range?
For most adults, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is underweight, 25-29.9 is overweight, and 30+ is obese.
Are Asian BMI standards different?
Yes. The WHO defines specific cut-offs for Asians because they have a higher risk of metabolic diseases (like diabetes) at lower BMIs. For Indians/Asians: Overweight starts at 23, and Obesity at 25.
Does BMI measure body fat?
Not directly. It is a correlation. Two people with the same BMI can have very different body fat percentages.
Why does BMI matter?
A high BMI is a strong risk factor for diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Gallstones, and certain cancers.
Can I use this for children?
BMI is interpreted differently for children and teens (ages 2-20). It needs to be compared against age and gender-specific percentiles (Growth Charts), not the standard adult numbers.
How can I lower my BMI?
A combination of a balanced calorie-deficit diet and regular physical activity (150 mins moderate exercise per week) is the most effective way to lower BMI safely.
What is Waist-to-Hip Ratio?
It is another metric often used with BMI. It measures fat distribution. Belly fat (apple shape) is considered more dangerous than hip fat (pear shape).
Is being Underweight dangerous?
Yes, a BMI below 18.5 indicates malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, or anemia, and can lead to a weakened immune system and osteoporosis.