Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI is one way to tell whether you are at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
The formula used for BMI calculation is: BMI = (weight in pounds ÷ (height in inches)² ) x 703. Example:
BMI = your weight in pounds ÷ by your height in inches ÷ by your height in inches x 703. Example: A person who is 140 pounds and 5’6′.
140 pounds divided by 66 inches divided by 66 inches times 703 = a BMI of 26 (22.59 rounded off).
Standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults:
- A BMI below 18.5 is underweight.
- A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is in the healthy range.
- A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is overweight.
- A BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese.
Body Mass Index Calculator for Adults
The calculator below provides BMI and the corresponding BMI weight status category. Use the body mass index calculator below for adults 20 years old and older.
BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. Excess body fat can lead to:
- A higher risk for premature death
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Problems with cholesterol and triglycerides
- Gout
- Gallbladder disease
- Lung problems
- Arthritis
- Certain kinds of cancers
Another way to find out if you are at risk for health problems caused by overweight and obesity is to measure your waist.
- If you are a woman and your waist is more than 35 inches, your risk of disease is higher.
- If you are a man and your waist is more than 40 inches, your risk of disease is higher.
Note:
Because BMI does not show the difference between fat and muscle, it does not always accurately predict when weight could lead to health problems. For example, someone with a lot of muscle – such as a body builder – may have a BMI in the overweight or obese range, but still be healthy and have little risk of developing diabetes or having a heart attack.