Calculating your BMI is the first step to understanding your body better.

The BMI is an easily understandable value, but it has limitations!

---

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement to assess an individual's body weight about their height. It's a simple calculation that provides a general indication of whether a person's weight falls within a healthy range relative to their height.

Calculation:

The BMI uses the following formula:

𝐵𝑀𝐼 = weight (kg) / height (m)2

Or, in imperial units:

𝐵𝑀𝐼 = weight (lb) / height (in)2 × 703

Interpretation:

The BMI falls into one of several categories:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
• Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
• Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher

Uses of BMI:

• Health Assessment: Healthcare professionals often use BMI as a screening tool to assess a person's risk for certain health conditions associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese, such as heart disease and diabetes.
• Population Studies: BMI is valuable in public health research and policy-making as it provides a quick and easy way to assess and monitor trends in weight status within populations.

Limitations of BMI:

• Doesn't Account for Muscle Mass: BMI does not distinguish between weight, muscle, and fat, which means that people with high muscle mass may have a higher BMI despite having a low body fat percentage.
• Doesn't Consider Body Composition: BMI does not provide information about how fat is distributed. Fat around the abdomen is associated with higher health risks than fat distributed in other body areas.
• Not Applicable to Everyone: BMI does not reflect health risks in specific populations, such as older adults, children, and individuals with specific medical conditions.