LIFE ID

BMI uses a person’s height and weight to estimate their body fat level and gauge their risk of body fat-related diseases. BMI charts also display the ranges for the categories of underweight, overweight, and obesity.

Carrying too much or too little weight can increase a person’s risk of health problems, either in the present or the future.

A person’s body mass index (BMI) is not the only factor that affects this risk. Other tools for assessing whether or not a person has a moderate weight or body composition include the waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, and body fat percentage.

However, BMI may be a helpful starting point. This article provides some tools for people to work out their BMI.

The flaws of BMI

BMI is a calculation of a person’s body fat based on their height and weight. However, studies suggest it is a poor indicator of a person’s body fat percentage.

It can be misleading because the measure does not account for overall body composition or capture information on the mass of fat in different body sites. The latter relates to both health and social issues.

BMI cutoff points were generated mostly from the white population, but body fat distribution differs by race and ethnicity.

For additional information, talk with your doctor about other body fat assessment methods.

BMI calculators

BMI Calculator

Units:

U.S. (Imperial)Metric

Height:

Feet

Inches

Weight:

Pounds

CALCULATE

This BMI calculator is for informational purposes only. Consult a healthcare provider before making health decisions. BMI is an indirect assessment of health risk and may not be accurate because it cannot determine the proportion or distribution of body fat. 

BMI charts

The charts below allow a person to find their weight in pounds (lb) along the top and their height in feet (ft) and inches (in) down the side. They can then look across to find their BMI.

There are two charts. If a person weighs 245 lb or less, they can use the first chart. If their weight is over 250 lb, they can look at the second one.

The shaded areas correspond to BMI values that indicate either a moderate weight, overweight, or obesity.

In addition, researchers and doctors divide obesity into three categories:

• Class 1: BMI is 30 to 34.9.
• Class 2: BMI is 35 to 39.9.
• Class 3: BMI is 40 and above.

The charts are an adaptation of the adult BMI chart created by the University of Vermont in Burlington.

BMI chart: Weight of 95 to 245 lb

Adult BMI chart showing ranges “under healthy weight: BMI < 18.5,” “healthy weight: BMI 18.5–24.9,” and “overweight: BMI 25–29.9.”

BMI chart: Weight of 250 to 400 lb

Adult BMI chart showing ranges “obese 1: BMI 30–34.9,” “obese 2: BMI 35–39.9,” and “obese 3: BMI ≥ 40.”

These figures are only a guide. The BMI tools do not determine whether or not a person has an ideal body weight, but they can help show if an individual’s weight may increase their risk of disease.

A very fit person, such as an Olympic athlete, may have a high BMI. However, this does not necessarily mean they are overweight due to excess body fat. In that case, the excess weight may be due to increased muscle mass.

BMI categories

The following table shows the standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults:

BMI of under 18.5

A BMI of under 18.5 indicates that a person has insufficient weight, so they may need to put on some weight. They should ask a doctor or dietitian for advice.

BMI of 18.5 to 24.9

A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 indicates that a person has a moderate weight for their height. By maintaining a moderate weight, they can lower their risk of developing serious health problems.

BMI of 25 to 29.9

A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates that a person is slightly overweight. A doctor may advise them to lose some weight for health reasons. They should talk with a doctor or dietitian for advice.

BMI of over 30

A BMI of over 30 indicates that a person has obesity. Their health may be at risk if they do not lose weight. They should talk with a doctor or dietitian for advice.

Conclusion

We hope you found this article useful. At LIFEID, our priority is your safety. That’s why we recommend our medical ID bracelets, Apple watch sleeves, or watch accessories, which can communicate vital information on your behalf during an emergency. Our medical IDs also assist in managing your medications and notifying your emergency contacts when needed. Discover more below:

Use Coupon Code 10BUCKSOFF And Get $10 Off Any LIFE ID Today!