Master Your Health: Understanding BMI

In the journey to better health, knowing where you stand is the first step. Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most widely used metrics to evaluate body weight relative to height. But what does it really tell you about your health?

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index is a screening tool used to identify possible weight problems for adults. It is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.

Understanding the Categories

The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are:

• Underweight: BMI below 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 – 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25.0 – 29.9
• Obesity: BMI 30.0 and above

How to Calculate Your BMI

The formula is straightforward but requires consistent units.

Limitations of BMI

While useful, BMI is not a diagnostic tool. It does not measure body fat directly and normally doesn't account for age, sex, ethnicity, or muscle mass in adults. Athletes, for example, might have a high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body fatness.

Conclusion

Monitoring your BMI is a great starting point for a health conversation with your doctor. Combine it with other metrics like waist circumference and activity levels for a full picture of your health.

Check Your Stats

Use our BMI Calculator to instantly see which category you fall into.