BMI Calculator

Using this body mass index calculator is straightforward:

1. Select Units: Choose between Metric (kilograms, meters) or US/Imperial (pounds, feet, inches). The input fields will adjust accordingly.
2. Enter Height:
   • If using Metric, enter your height in meters (e.g., 1.75).
   • If using US units, enter your height in feet and inches.
3. Enter Weight:
   • If using Metric, enter your weight in kilograms (e.g., 70).
   • If using US units, enter your weight in pounds (e.g., 150).
4. Select Gender (Optional): While the BMI calculation formula is the same for men and women, standard healthy weight ranges can sometimes differ slightly based on population averages. Selecting a gender may help us provide more tailored information in the future (this feature is not yet fully implemented). Choose 'Other' if you prefer not to specify.
5. View Results: Your calculated BMI and the corresponding weight category (e.g., Healthy weight, Overweight) will appear automatically below the input fields.

Ensure you enter accurate height and weight measurements for the most reliable BMI calculation.

A BMI chart provides a visual representation of how weight relates to height and the different BMI categories. While an interactive chart component is planned for this section, you can refer to the BMI Categories Explained section below for the standard classifications used internationally.

BMI charts typically show height on one axis and weight on the other, with different colored regions indicating the underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity ranges.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is categorized into the following standard weight status groups for adults (Source: WHO):

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Healthy weight (Normal): BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obesity: BMI 30 or greater

It's important to note:

• These categories are primarily for adults aged 20 and over. Different charts are used for children and adolescents.
• These are general guidelines. Factors like muscle mass, age, and ethnicity can influence individual health risks associated with a particular BMI.
• BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure of health or body fat percentage.

While often related, BMI (Body Mass Index) and body fat percentage measure different things:

• BMI: Is a calculation based on your height and weight only. It's an inexpensive and easy screening method to categorize weight status (underweight, healthy, overweight, obese).
• Body Fat Percentage: Is the proportion of your total body weight that is fat tissue. Measuring it requires specific tools or methods (like skinfold calipers, bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), DEXA scans, or hydrostatic weighing) and provides a direct measure of body composition.

Limitations of BMI

Because BMI only considers height and weight, it has limitations:

• It doesn't distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. Muscular individuals (like athletes) may have a high BMI categorizing them as 'Overweight' or 'Obese' despite having low body fat and being very healthy.
• It doesn't account for fat distribution. Fat stored around the abdomen (visceral fat) is generally considered riskier than fat stored elsewhere, but BMI doesn't show this.
• It may not be as accurate for certain populations, such as older adults who may have lost muscle mass or individuals from different ethnic backgrounds.

Therefore, while BMI is a useful starting point for assessing weight status at a population level, it's not a perfect measure of individual health or body fatness. Body fat percentage provides a more direct insight into body composition.