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Calctive

BMI Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if you are in a healthy weight range based on your height and weight.

Input Values

💡Health Tips

  • •BMI is most accurate for adults aged 20-65
  • •Athletes may have higher BMI due to muscle mass
  • •Combine BMI with waist circumference for better health assessment

Results

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Enter values and calculate

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How to Use

  1. 1Select your preferred unit system (Metric or Imperial)
  2. 2Enter your weight (kg or lbs)
  3. 3Enter your height (cm or inches)
  4. 4Click Calculate to see your BMI and category
  5. 5Review the health category and recommended range
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Formula

Metric: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
Imperial: BMI = (weight (lbs) / height (in)²) × 703

Categories:
• Underweight: BMI < 18.5
• Normal: 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25
• Overweight: 25 ≤ BMI < 30
• Obese: BMI ≥ 30
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Common Use Cases

Track your weight loss or gain progress over time
Determine if you need to adjust your diet or exercise routine
Assess health risks associated with being under or overweight
Set realistic weight goals based on healthy BMI range

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple screening tool used to identify potential weight problems in adults. It calculates a number based on your weight and height, which places you into one of several categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.

While BMI is not a direct measure of body fat, it is widely used by healthcare professionals as a quick and easy way to assess whether a person is at a healthy weight for their height.

BMI Categories Explained

CategoryBMI RangeDescription
UnderweightBelow 18.5You may be malnourished or have an underlying health condition.
Normal Weight18.5 – 24.9You are in a healthy weight range for your height.
Overweight25.0 – 29.9You may be at increased risk for certain health conditions.
Obese30.0 and AboveYou are at significantly higher risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other issues.

Limitations of BMI

It's important to remember that BMI is a general indicator, not a perfect diagnostic tool. It does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass.

  • Athletes: Highly muscular individuals may have a high BMI ("overweight" or "obese") despite having low body fat.
  • Elderly: Older adults may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.
  • Pregnancy: BMI is not an appropriate measure for pregnant women.

Health Risks of High BMI

Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for long-term well-being. Being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of:

❤️Heart disease and high blood pressure
🩸Type 2 diabetes
🫁Breathing problems (e.g., sleep apnea)
🦴Joint pain and osteoarthritis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BMI accurate for everyone?▼

No. As mentioned above, it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. It is best used as a starting point for a discussion with your doctor.

How often should I check my BMI?▼

Checking your BMI once a month is generally sufficient to track trends. Daily fluctuations in weight are normal and often due to water retention.