We’ve all heard of BMI – short for Body Mass Index, but do you know what it really means, why it matters, and how it relates to your overall health?
What is BMI?
Everybody’s body type is unique and different; someone is lean and tall, someone is short and curvy, and that’s completely normal. But it is very important to understand your weight in relation to your health. There is one tool that comes to mind is BMI(Body Mass Index).
BMI is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate in which category you fall, like underweight, normal, overweight or obese, by using a simple formula.
BMI = Weight (Kg) ÷ Height (M²)
That is the weight of a person in kilograms divided by the height in meters. BMI is often used as a basic screening method to identify if someone might be at risk of a health condition, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular issues, or other weight-related health concerns. Studies have shown that a BMI range either above or below the healthy range can raise the risk of developing long-term health problems.
How to Calculate Your BMI at Home
Calculating your BMI is quick and easy. All you need is your weight in kilograms (kg) and your height in meters (m). Then use this formula:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
For example, if you weigh 70 kg and your height is 1.75 meters:
BMI = 70 ÷ (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.86
This result falls within the “Normal Weight” range. You can also use our online BMI calculator to save time and instantly get your BMI category along with health advice tailored to your profile.
BMI Explained: What It Tells You, And What It Doesn’t
While BMI can be a helpful tool to get a general sense of your health, it’s not the full story. It doesn’t look at how much of your body is fat or muscle, or where that fat is stored, and those things really do matter. For example, two people can have the same BMI, but one might be very fit with lots of muscle, while the other might have more body fat and less muscle. That’s why doctors don’t rely on BMI alone. They often look at other things too, like your waist size, because carrying extra fat around your belly can be a bigger health risk than fat in other areas.
BMI is just one piece of the puzzle. Your overall health depends on many things, like your eating habits, how much you move, your family history, sleep, and even stress. So don’t let a single number define how healthy you are. Instead, use it as a starting point to learn more about your body and make choices that support your well-being.
Ethnic Background
Our BMI calculator may ask for your ethnic background to provide more accurate health insights. This is because individuals from Asian, Black African, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern backgrounds may face a higher risk of health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease, at lower BMI levels.
By including this information, the calculator can offer more personalised and relevant advice based on your unique health profile.
Who Should Avoid It?
BMI is helpful, but these groups should avoid using it:
- Athlete
- Older people
- Pregnant Women
- Muscular people
- Children and teenagers
- People with physical disability
- People with certain health conditions
Why Choose BMI?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a simple tool that helps you see if your weight is in a healthy range for your height. Doctors and individuals often use it to get a quick idea of whether someone might be at risk for weight-related health problems. It’s easy to calculate and can be a helpful guide when making health or fitness choices. It’s good to remember that while BMI doesn’t measure body fat or overall health and may not suit everyone, like athletes or pregnant women, it can still be a helpful first step toward understanding your health better.
What Your BMI Says About Your Health?
Having a BMI above the normal range can raise the risk of health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer. While BMI isn’t perfect, it can be a helpful starting point when looking at your overall health. It’s most useful when used alongside other factors like your waist size, eating habits, activity level, and family history. If your BMI is high, making small changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference. Always talk to your doctor to find out what works best for you.
Health Risk Levels Based on BMI
| BMI Range(kg/m²) | Category | Health Risk Level |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Higher Risk |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal Weight | Low Risk |
| 25-29.9 | Overweight | Increased Risk |
| 30-34.9 | Obesity Class I | Moderate Risk |
| 35-39.9 | Obesity Class II | High Risk |
| 40 and above | Obesity Class III | Very High Risk |