Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple measure that uses your height and weight to estimate if your weight is in a healthy range. It's calculated as: BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²).
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal Weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
Research indicates that health risks begin at lower BMI levels for Asian populations. The revised cutoffs for Indians suggest that a BMI of 23 or above indicates overweight, and 25 or above indicates obesity. This calculator uses the WHO standard, but keep these regional differences in mind.
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so muscular individuals may show a high BMI despite being healthy. It also doesn't account for age, gender, bone density, or fat distribution. For a comprehensive health assessment, consult a healthcare professional who can consider waist circumference, body fat percentage, and other factors.