Calculate your BMI with this BMI slider. Enter your lenght in cm and slide the weightvalue to see BMI change accordingly.
Table of content
BMI Ranges
- < 16.0 Severely Underweight
- 16.0 – 18.4 Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9 Normal
- 25.0 – 29.9 Overweight
- 30.0 – 34.9 Moderately Obese
- 35.0 – 39.9 Severely Obese
- > 40.0 Morbidly Obese
About BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on an individual’s weight and height. It is a commonly used tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on a person’s height. The formula for calculating BMI is as follows:
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2
Alternatively, in imperial units: BMI = weight (lbs) / height (inches)^2 x 703
A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered to be within a healthy range, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight, and a BMI of 30 or greater is considered to be obese.
It is important to note that BMI is not a perfect measurement and it may not always accurately reflect a person’s level of fitness or overall health. People who are very muscular may have a high BMI, but not have a high level of body fat. Similarly, older adults or people with a lot of muscle mass may have a lower BMI but still have a high level of body fat.
It is recommended to use BMI as a general guide, but not as a definitive diagnosis of body composition or overall health, and it should be combined with other measurements, such as body composition, diet, physical activity, and medical history, to get a better understanding of a person’s health status.
Criticisms of BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used tool for estimating body fat, but it has several limitations and criticisms. Some of the main criticisms of BMI include:
- It doesn’t take into account muscle mass: People who have a lot of muscle mass, such as athletes or bodybuilders, may have a high BMI but actually have a low level of body fat.
- It doesn’t account for body composition: BMI doesn’t distinguish between body fat and lean muscle mass, so it can’t provide information about a person’s body composition.
- It doesn’t take into account age or sex: BMI doesn’t take into account differences in muscle mass and body fat between men and women or how these change with age.
- It doesn’t account for ethnicity: Studies show that certain ethnic groups may have different body fat levels at the same BMI, therefore it may not be accurate for certain population groups.
- It may not be accurate for older adults: As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass and bone density, which can lead to a lower BMI, but an increased risk of health problems.
- It is not a diagnostic tool: BMI is just a screening tool and cannot be used as a diagnosis of obesity or poor health.
It is important to note that BMI should be used as a general guide and should not be used as a definitive diagnosis of body composition or overall health. It should be combined with other measurements, such as body composition, diet, physical activity, and medical history, to get a better understanding of a person’s health status.
Who invented the BMI scale?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) was invented by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s. Quetelet was a statistician and sociologist who was interested in studying the relationship between a person’s weight and height. He developed the concept of the “average man” and used this idea to create the BMI as a way to measure the body mass of large groups of people.
Quetelet’s original BMI formula was called the “Quetelet Index” and it was used to measure the weight and height of the general population, including both men and women. The formula was later modified and is now used as a tool to assess body weight and body fat in individuals.
It is important to note that the BMI is not a perfect measurement and it may not always accurately reflect a person’s level of fitness or overall health. It’s recommended to use BMI as a general guide, but not as a definitive diagnosis of body composition or overall health, and it should be combined with other measurements, such as body composition, diet, physical activity, and medical history, to get a better understanding of a person’s health status.