What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. The BMI calculation divides an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared.

What are the BMI categories?

The standard BMI categories are: - Below 18.5: Underweight - 18.5 – 24.9: Healthy Weight - 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight - 30.0 – 34.9: Obesity (Class I) - 35.0 – 39.9: Obesity (Class II) - 40.0 and Above: Obesity (Class III)

Is BMI an accurate measure of health?

BMI is a useful screening tool, but it does not tell the whole story of a person's health. It does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass, nor does it account for factors like age, sex, and body composition. It should be used as one part of a comprehensive health assessment conducted by a healthcare professional.

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Understanding Your BMI

BMI Categories

The BMI is a convenient rule of thumb to categorize a person's weight status. Here are the standard categories for adults:

Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
Overweight: BMI 25–29.9
Obesity (Class I): BMI 30–34.9
Obesity (Class II): BMI 35–39.9
Obesity (Class III): BMI of 40 or greater

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it's important to recognize its limitations. It does not distinguish between fat and muscle mass. As a result, very muscular individuals, like athletes, may have a high BMI but low body fat. Conversely, an older adult with less muscle mass might have a normal BMI but a higher percentage of body fat. BMI also doesn't account for factors like age, sex, ethnicity, or body frame.

What to Do with Your Result

Your BMI result is a starting point, not a final diagnosis. It can help you and your healthcare provider understand your potential health risks. If your BMI is outside the "Normal weight" range, it's a good idea to discuss the results with a doctor. They can perform a more comprehensive assessment, considering other factors like waist circumference, blood pressure, and lifestyle to get a complete picture of your health.