Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from an individual’s weight and height, commonly used to categorize their weight status. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). A calculator is provided below however if you want to do the math yourself the formula is:
Weight (kg)Height (m)2BMI=Height (m)2Weight (kg)
Alternatively, for those using pounds and inches, the formula is:
Weight (lbs)×703Height (in)2BMI=Height (in)2Weight (lbs)×703
BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults, although it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or the health of an individual. The World Health Organization (WHO) categorizes the ranges as follows:
These categories help in assessing the risk of developing health problems associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese. For instance, a high BMI is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, while a low BMI might indicate malnutrition, osteoporosis, or other health issues.
However, this has limitations. It does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass, meaning that athletes or individuals with high muscle mass might be classified as overweight or obese when they are actually healthy. Similarly, it might not accurately reflect the health status of older adults who have lost muscle mass. Other measures, such as waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and overall fitness assessments, can provide additional insights into an individual’s health.
Despite these limitations, Body mass index remains a widely used and straightforward tool for initial health assessments and population studies, helping guide public health policies and personal health decisions.
