Body Mass Index
Calculate your Body Mass Index by simply entering
in your height in centimetres and weight in kilograms.
The Body Mass Index is an indirect measure of
body composition, and therefore people who should
not use the Body Mass Index are anyone under 18,
pregnant or nursing women, frail and sedentary
elderly people, competitive athletes, body builders
or people who are chronically ill. If you belong
to one of these categories, you should consult
your doctor about any concerns over your weight.
Enter your height and weight below and click "Calculate" to get your BMI.
What is BMI?
FYI, your BMI is PDI. Huh? Would you like a translation? Here it is: For your information (FYI), your body mass index (BMI) is pretty darn important (PDI).
Did you know you had a BMI? Body mass index is a calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have.
Too much body fat is a problem because it can lead to illnesses and other health problems. BMI, although not a perfect method for judging someone's weight, is often a good way to check on how healthy you are and a good way to start with your health-improvement program.
Calculating BMI
The best way to determine your BMI is to have your doctor do it for you. That way, you'll know the number is accurate and your doctor can discuss the result with you. If you're interested, you also can figure out your BMI on your own.
If you want to check what sort of shape you're in, the Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator mentioned above is a useful guide. It will tell you if you're a healthy weight for your height. Just enter your height and weight in the BMI Calculator, click on English or Metric, then click to calculate.
Interpreting Results
Remember that information the calculator provides is only a guide and it's aimed at healthy adults. It isn't suitable for children, young people or older people.
Also, if you have well-developed muscles, you may find that you will fall into the category of overweight on the Body Mass Index calculator, when in fact you may have a healthy body shape and very little fat. If you think this is the case, have a look at the Your body shape section to help you find out.
| BMI |
What this BMI means |
| Less than 19 |
UNDERWEIGHT
You are under optimum weight for your height. You could afford to gain a little weight. |
| 20 - 25 |
ACCEPTABLE
You have a healthy weight for your height. |
| 26 - 30 |
OVERWEIGHT
You are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health problems, so losing some weight would be a good idea. |
| 31 + |
OBESE
You are over optimum weight for your height. You may be facing health risks, so see your doctor to help you achieve a healthier weight. |
Whatever the results show, the most important thing to remember is that you need to make sure you're eating a healthy balanced diet and keeping physically active.
Limitations and Shortcomings
Remember that information the calculator provides is only a guide and it's aimed at healthy adults. It isn't suitable for children, young people or older people.
Also, if you have well-developed muscles, you may find that you will fall into the category of overweight on the Body Mass Index calculator, when in fact you may have a healthy body shape and very little fat. If you think this is the case, have a look at the Your body shape section to help you find out. |
