BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a number that helps you understand whether your weight is healthy for your height.
Doctors and health professionals use BMI as a quick tool to check for weight problems like being underweight, overweight, or obese.
How Is BMI Calculated?
The formula to calculate BMI is:
📏 BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height (m²)
Or, if you’re using pounds and inches:
📏 BMI = (Weight in pounds × 703) ÷ Height in inches²
You can also just use a BMI calculator online to do the math for you!
What Do BMI Numbers Mean?
Once you calculate your BMI, you can see where you fall in this range:
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal (Healthy) |
| 25 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 and above | Obese |
So for example:
- A BMI of 22 = Normal weight ✅
- A BMI of 28 = Overweight ⚠️
- A BMI of 32 = Obese 🚨
Why Is BMI Important?
BMI is a helpful tool to:
- ✅ Screen for possible health risks
- 🩺 Help doctors give better health advice
- ⚖️ Track weight goals over time
High BMI can be linked to health issues like:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Joint problems
But remember: BMI is just one part of the picture. It doesn’t measure muscle, fat, or overall health.
Limitations of BMI
While useful, BMI isn’t perfect. It doesn’t:
- 👤 Distinguish between muscle and fat (so athletes may have high BMI but low body fat)
- 🧬 Consider age, gender, or body type
- ⚖️ Work well for children, older adults, or very fit individuals
That’s why doctors may use other tests (like waist measurement, blood pressure, or body fat percentage) along with BMI.
Final Thoughts
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple number that gives a general idea of whether your weight is in a healthy range for your height. It’s not a full health check, but it’s a great starting point for understanding your body.