BMI Calculator
What is BMI?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m2 where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in meters squared.
It's seen as a straightforward and easy tool that can help you quickly gauge if you're underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. But remember, it's a broad tool and it might not apply to everyone. Now let's check out the BMI tables for adults and children.
BMI Table for Adults
The following is the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended BMI table for adults:
| BMI kg/m2 | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Healthy Weight |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and Above | Obese |
BMI Table for Children
The following is the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended BMI table for children:
| Percentile Range | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Less than the 5th percentile | Underweight |
| 5th percentile to less than the 85th percentile | Healthy Weight |
| 85th to less than the 95th percentile | Overweight |
| Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile | Obese |
Health Implications of Being Overweight
- Higher risk of developing heart disease
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
- Greater likelihood of high blood pressure
- Potential for sleep apnea
- Increased strain on bones and joints
Health Implications of Being Underweight
- Increased risk of malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and anemia
- Lowered immune function, increasing the risk of getting sick
- Increased risk of osteoporosis due to lower bone density
- Potential for fertility issues in women
How to Calculate BMI
The formula to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI) is quite straightforward. You simply divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters squared (m²).
Here's the formula:
BMI = weight(kg) / height(m)²
Example Calculation
Let's say you have a weight of 68kg and a height of 1.75m.
First, square your height: 1.75m x 1.75m = 3.0625m².
Then, divide your weight by your height squared: 68kg / 3.0625m² = 22.2 kg/m²
This gives a BMI of 22.2 kg/m², which is within the healthy weight range according to the World Health Organization's guidelines.