1. Body Mass Index
What is body mass index?
BMI is the ratio of your weight in relation to your height. Body mass index is a screening tool for obesity. It provides an indicative value that can help you decide whether you need further investigation. Using the BMI, each individual can be categorised as per their weight in relation to their height (underweight, normal, overweight, pre-obese, obese). It is a statistical tool widely used by most health, fitness, and medical professionals to calculate your total body fat.
How to calculate body mass index?
The BMI calculation for both adults and children is the same. However, the interpretation may vary depending on your age, gender, and other physical parameters. You can calculate your BMI using kilograms and meters (or even centimeters) or pounds and inches as measuring units. Body Mass Index Formula: BMI = weight (kgs) / height2 (m²) The arithmetic value you obtain from the above-mentioned BMI formula will give you an approximation of the total fats in your body and help you understand where you stand on the body mass index chart. According to the BMI chart, for Asains, if your BMI value is equal to or greater than 25, then you will be considered overweight. However, you’ll be at greater risk of obesity-related health complications when your BMI value is 30 and above. BMI can be calculated either manually or by using a body mass index calculator.
What is the body mass index calculator?
Body mass index is widely used to determine whether you fall within a healthy weight range in relation to your height. Being a gross estimate scale, your BMI will indicate whether you need to put on weight or lose weight or just maintain it. The body mass index calculator is a simple tool to measure your total body fat. Just by entering basic details such as your weight and height, the BMI calculator will provide an approximate value of your total body fat and determine whether you need further investigation to circumvent health complications.
2. BMI Chart
Classification |
Principal cut-off points for BMI in kg/m2 |
Cut-off points in Asians for BMI in kg/m |
| Normal range | 18.5 – 24.9 | 18.5 – 22.9 |
| Pre-obese | 25.0 – 29.9 |
23.0 – 24.9 25.0 – 27.4 |
| Obese class I | 30.0 – 34.9 |
27.5 – 29.9 30.0 – 32.4 |
| Obese class II | 35.0 – 39.9 |
32.5 – 34.9 35.0 – 37.4 |
| Obese class III | ≥ 40.0 |
37.5 – 39.9 ≥40 |
3. BMI Calculator
BMI Result:
4. What is the ideal body weight?
Ideal body weight may be defined as the optimum weight that proves to be most healthy for an individual, subject to factors such as gender, build, age, etc. These factors play a crucial role in determining one’s susceptibility to health issues. For instance, if you are a highly muscular person, your BMI value will be high due to increased muscle mass and not because of excess body fat. Therefore, you will still be at lower risk of obesity-related health conditions. On the other hand, a low BMI value may not necessarily imply that you are healthy. If a major component of your weight is due to fat accumulation and not your muscles, you may be at a higher risk of health issues.