BMI
18.5
18.5–24.9
25.0–29.9
30.0–34.9
35.0–39.9
≥ 40.0
Classification
Uderweight
Normal Weight
Overweight
Class I Obesity
Class II Obesity
Class III Obesity
At times, we decide whether we’re “fat” by merely looking into the mirror. However, if you truly want to know whether you’re fit, you need to know your BMI or body mass index. It’s not just the body weight that you consider, but your total weight with respect to your height.
This BMI calculator will give you the exact number and the chart mentioned in the 3rd tab will help you decide whether your weight is normal as per your height or not. So, let’s understand what the body mass index is all about.
What is Body Mass Index?
The body mass index or BMI is an indicator used to define whether a person is underweight, fit or overweight. It is your body weight with respect to your height. BMI is also used to calculate body fat percentage in some cases.
The chart that we’ve mentioned above to indicate whether you’re underweight, fit, overweight or obese is meant for adults. For children, the categorization may differ a little. A healthy child has a BMI percentile between 5-85. Here’s how the table goes:
Below 5: Underweight
5-85: Fit
89-95: On the Verge of Being Overweight
Above 95: Overweight
Depending on the units of measurement you use, there are 2 formulae used to calculate BMI:
US Units (lbs and inches):
BMI = 703 x weight/height2
Metric Units (kg and cm):
BMI = weight/height2
Why Do You Need the BMI Calculator?
Like we mentioned above, your weight is not the sole indicator to know if you’re fit or not. Your height is an equally important factor to consider. Being underweight and being overweight are both considered to be unhealthy. By using this calculator, you’ll know whether you need to gain weight or lose weight.
If you figure out that you’re underweight, then you can start working on it to mitigate the following risks:
- Malnutrition
- Deficiencies of important nutrients
- Anaemia
- Osteoporosis
- Weakening of immunity
- Hormonal, menstrual and reproductive issues in women
- Reduction or slow down in growth for children
- High risk of mortality
- Complications after a surgery
On the other hand, being overweight has got other issues, especially once you start getting obese. These include:
- Increase in the level of bad cholesterol
- Reduction in the level of good cholesterol
- High BP
- Heart diseases
- Diabetes
- Osteoarthritis
- Diseases in the gallbladder
- Cancer in your kidney, colon, breast, liver, gall bladder or uterus
- Body pain
- Mental health problems
- Breathing problems
- High risk of mortality
These problems usually occur when there is a lack of balance between your body weight and height. Mainly, it is due to lack of nutrition and lack of/excessive fat stored in the body. While your BMI is an important factor to consider your fitness level, you can use our body fat percentage calculator to know other factors determining your fitness level too.