What Is BMI or Body Mass Index?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a quick way to check if your weight is healthy for your height.

Doctors and health experts use BMI to quickly estimate whether someone might have weight-related health risks.

However, it is essential to note that it is just a guide and does not consider other factors like muscle, bone density, or body fat percentage.

It is calculated using this formula with weight (in kilograms) and height (in meters):

BMI= weight in kg/height in meters2

BMI Calculator

BMI categories for adults 20 and older

BMI Category

BMI Range (kg/m2)

Underweight

Less than 18.5

Healthy Weight

18.5 to less than 25

Overweight

25 to less than 30

Obesity

30 or greater

Class 1 Obesity

30 to less than 35

Class 2 Obesity

35 to less than 40

Class 3 Obesity
(Severe Obesity)

40 or greater

BMI Calculation For Kids & Teens

If you want to calculate your child’s BMI, please use this tool:

CDC. (2024, July 22). Child and Teen BMI Calculator. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from BMI website: https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/child-teen-calculator/index.html

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