BMI Calculator

The BMI -- a proportion of your weight to height -- can help you determine if you are at the right weight.

Calculate Your Body Mass Index

A BMIcan provide you with a clear indication of whether you're carrying too much, too little or the proper weight.

En espanol (BMI) is an estimation of your body's fat, which is calculated based on how tall and at what weight. Doctors use BMI in conjunction with other health indicators to determine the current health condition of an adult and possible health risks. People with higher BMIs are more likely to develop chronic illnesses like sleep apnea, and heart disease. To calculate your personal BMI utilize this calculator.

To determine your BMI for calculating your BMI, enter your weight, height and size from the list below. After you click on the 'Calculate button, you'll then be directed to a page regarding your results.Height 4' 5' 6 7' 0" 1" 2" 3" 4" 5" 6" 7" 8" 9" 10" 11" Weightlbs.CALCULATE

(NOTE: BMIshould not be used in determining a child's weight because the proper weight for a person's age varies depending on the child's age.)

In general, people who have larger BMIs are at a higher chance of developing diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and diabetes type 2. But many variables -- including the history of your family, food habits and activity level -can affect your general health.

BMI calculator results are grouped into broad categories such as healthy weight, underweight obese and overweight.

While you analyze your results take note that BMI is not without its limitations, and that BMI guidelines differ based on gender and other factors. (For instance, BMI may underestimate body fat in an older individual that has experienced a decline in muscle strength.)

If you have any questions or concerns about what you've learned about BMI results, please consult your doctor or health care provider.

FAQs

What is BMI?

BMI also known as body mass index, is a screening tool which takes into consideration the person's height and weight. It places people into four weight groups (underweight healthy weight, overweight, obese, overweight) that may be linked to health issues. But BMI isn't the only way to determine the quality of health of a person.

What is a healthy BMI?

Healthy weight can be defined as having a BMI of between 18.5 between 18.5 and 24.9. In this category, a person's weight is associated with less illnesses than the obese, overweight and obese categories.

What should be my BMI be?

"Healthy Weight": The "healthy weight" category--defined as having a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9--is considered to be the ideal. But keep in mind that BMI does not provide a complete measure. It does, for instance, not account for the amount of fat you carry or where the fat is distributed, both of which can affect the health of your metabolism.

How do I calculate BMI measured?

The body mass index (BMI) is a persons weight expressed in kilograms multiplied by the quadratic of height in meters.

How accurate is BMI?

This is contingent. BMI also doesn't know how much of your weight is comprised of muscle or fat which means it's not able to reveal information crucial for assessing your health risks.For instance, athletes might have the highest BMI because of their muscular mass, even if they're not obese. Also, the definitions for the weight classes were based primarily on whites, so they may not be as accurate when compared to people of other races and ethnicities.

How can age or race affect BMI?

BMI doesn't distinguish between bone, fat and muscle; therefore, it could be inaccurate for older individuals, who tend to lose muscle mass and bone density as they age. (That's why those over 65 can benefit from slightly higher BMI in the range of 25 to 27.) Research has shown this BMI standard for defining obesity exaggerates the risk for Black people , and undervalues risk in those who are of Asian heritage, which could cause ineffective treatment and health disparities.

Are BMI guidelines similar for men and women?

The recommended amount of body fat can differ between men and women. For women the ideal body fat range is 20 to 21 percent. (The normal American woman is averaging 22-25% body fat.) Men's recommended weight of the fat should be between 13 and 17 percent. (The average American man has about 17-19 percent of body fat.)

To find your ideal bodyweight, use this formula:

• Women 100 pounds or body weight per first 5 feet + 5 pounds for each increment of an inch.
• Men: 106 pounds of Body weight during the initial 5 feet of height plus 6 pounds each additional inch.

If you're sporting a small body frame,, subtract 10 percent from this number. For a large frame, add 10 percent.