Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to determine if you’re at a healthy weight.
Important BMI Facts
Understanding BMI Limitations
- Not a direct measure of body fat: BMI is a screening tool, not a direct measure of body fat.
- Muscle mass can affect BMI: Individuals with high muscle mass may have a higher BMI, even if they have a healthy level of body fat.
- Age-related differences: BMI interpretation for children and adolescents is different, using age and sex-specific growth charts.
- Health risks: While BMI is not a diagnosis, it can be used to assess the risk of weight-related health problems like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and osteoarthritis.
- Consult a doctor: It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance on weight management, especially if your BMI is outside the healthy range.
Did You Know?
- BMI was developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s.
- Different countries and ethnic groups may have different BMI cutoffs for health risk assessment.
- Body fat distribution (where you carry weight) can be as important as BMI. Excess abdominal fat increases health risks.
- The WHO recognizes that the healthy BMI range may be lower for Asian populations (23-27.5 instead of 25-30 for overweight).
- Athletes often have BMIs in the overweight range due to increased muscle mass, not excess fat.
BMI Around the World
The average BMI varies significantly between countries. Japan and South Korea have some of the lowest average BMIs (around 22-23), while Pacific Island nations have some of the highest (often above 30).