CALCULATE YOUR BMI
WHAT IS BMI?
BMI — Body Mass Index — is a simple measure that relates your weight to your height. It was developed in the 19th century by the Belgian statistician Adolphe Quetelet and is used today by WHO as a quick screening tool for weight-related health risks.
The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared (kg/m²). The result places you in one of four categories.
BMI CATEGORIES
LIMITATIONS OF BMI
BMI is a useful screening tool, but it has important limitations you should know about:
- !BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. A powerlifter with low body fat can have a BMI over 30.
- !It doesn't account for fat distribution. Belly fat (visceral fat) is more harmful than fat on the hips, but BMI doesn't capture this difference.
- !Age, gender, and ethnicity affect what constitutes a healthy BMI level. WHO's thresholds are general and don't apply to everyone.
- !For children and the elderly, different reference ranges apply than for adults.
That's why BMI is best used as one data point in a broader assessment — not as the final verdict on your health. Try our body fat calculator for a more nuanced picture, or read about body recomposition — losing fat and building muscle simultaneously.
WANT HELP REACHING YOUR GOAL?
A number on a screen is a starting point — not a plan. Book a free consultation and let's talk about what actually works for you.
By Donovan Moloney, MSc Global Health, BSc Nutrition and Health