Body Mass Index or simply the BMI is a measurement of body fat or one’s thinness based on one’s height and weight. In simple language, BMI calculates the height to weight ratio determining the risks of weight-related issues.
Though it doesn’t measure body fat, it gives a somewhat ideal estimation based on an equation. The equation delivers its evaluation after dividing a person’s weight by the double (square) of their height.
For adults, a body mass index of around 18.5 to 24.9 is the healthy amount. Something below it is considered underweight while above it is considered either overweight or obese. A BMI score of 30 or higher indicates obesity and morbid obesity.
| Weight Classification | BMI |
| Underweight | <18.5 |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | 30 – 39.9 |
| Morbidly Obese | >40 |
Please note that the BMI calculator is perceived differently for adults and children though they are calculated the same way. The index is age-specific, and not to mention, sex-specific as well. It’s different because of the difference in growth and development in males and females.
The index will be of better use if you’re not pregnant and above 20 years of age.
Steps to Calculate BMI
Table of Contents
Enter your height in feet and weight in pounds (lbs).
Click on calculate, and you will see your BMI score below alongside the category you come into.
Note: The results indicated by the BMI or Body Mass Index calculator are not to be relied upon to make health-related choices. Do consult with your doctor once before making any specific changes to your diet and such.
Questions to ask your Doctor?
- Should I be concerned about my BMI?
- Does BMI talk about muscles?
- How often should I check my BMI?
FAQ’s related to BMI
1. What should BMI be for my age?
Well, it depends! the average healthy person has a BMI of around 18.5 to 24. Anything up or down is not favorable, to say the least.
2. How do you calculate BMI?
BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by double the height. 
BMI Formula. Source: Pinterest
3. What is the best BMI score?
As already mentioned above, the best BMI score is 18.5 to 24.
4. Is BMI reliable?
It’s criticizable. Since BMI doesn’t differentiate between fat and muscle, it’s controversial. It also doesn’t process where the body fat is stored, but it offers a good estimation.
For basic checks, it’s reliable but for more detailed study, it’s not quite so. Here’s a more detailed study.
Here’s a link to a BAI Calculator if you want to check out your Body Adiposity Index which also estimates the body fat as BMI, but it takes into consideration hip circumference rather than the weight of a person.
Check out ConciseMag for more health and celebrity weight loss news.
Simply want to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply cool and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the enjoyable work.