What is Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is the common acronym given to Body Mass Index, a number calculated from your weight and height that roughly correlates to the percentage of your total weight that comes from fat, as opposed to muscle, bone or organ. The higher a person's BMI, the higher the percentage of fat in their body. If your BMI is under 20, you might be underweight. Between 20 and 25, you are probably at a good healthy weight for your height. A BMI over 25 is considered overweight, and over 35 is considered obese .
It is designed for men and women over the age of 18. It should not be used for children.
Enter your weight in kilograms and your height in centimetres in the form below and press the "Calculate" button.
(Please read disclaimer below before using this form.)
Disclaimer: This information is not personal medical advice and is not intended to substitute for the evaluation of your individual health condition by your personal healthcare provider.
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Below 18 |
are very underweight and possibly malnourished. |
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Below 20 |
You are underweight and could afford to gain a little weight. |
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Between 20 - 25 |
You have a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults. |
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Between 23 - 28 |
You have a healthy weight range for older adults. |
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Between 26 - 30 |
You are mildly overweight. |
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Above 30 |
You are overweight or obese. |
As BMI increases, the risk for some diseases increases. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include :
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Premature death |
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Cardiovascular disease |
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High blood pressure |
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Osteoarthritis |
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Some cancers |
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Diabetes |
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Sleep Apnea |
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BMI is only one of many factors used to predict risk for disease. BMI cannot be used to tell a person if he/she has a disease such as diabetes or cancer. It is important to remember that weight is only one factor that is related to disease. Other factors that may be important to look at when assessing your risk for chronic disease include:
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Diet |
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Physical Activity |
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Waist Circumference |
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Blood Pressure |
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Blood Sugar Level |
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Cholesterol Level |
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Family History of disease |
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All persons who are obese or overweight should try not to gain additional weight. In addition, those who are obese or who are overweight with other risk factors should consider losing weight. A complete health assessment by your physician is the best way to decide the right steps for you. Whatever your BMI, talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk for disease and if you should lose weight. Even a small weight loss (just 10% of your current weight) may help to lower the risk of disease Physical activity and good nutrition are key factors in leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing risk for disease.
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