BMI Calculator

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is:

BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²

BMI is a screening tool used to identify whether an adult is underweight, at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese. It's important to note that BMI is not a diagnostic tool - it doesn't directly measure body fat or health.

Understanding BMI Categories

• Underweight (BMI < 18.5): May indicate malnutrition, eating disorder, or other health problems.
• Normal Weight (BMI 18.5-24.9): Indicates a healthy weight range for most adults.
• Overweight (BMI 25-29.9): May increase risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
• Obese (BMI ≥ 30): Significantly increases risk of serious health conditions.

Limitations of BMI

• BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass
• Athletes with high muscle mass may have high BMI but low body fat
• BMI doesn't account for fat distribution (visceral vs subcutaneous fat)
• Age, sex, and ethnicity can affect the relationship between BMI and health
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not rely on BMI

Always consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive health assessment.

Next Steps

If your BMI indicates you're outside the healthy range, consider:

• Consulting with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian
• Using Cal AI to track your daily calorie intake
• Setting realistic, sustainable weight goals
• Combining healthy eating with regular physical activity
• Calculating your TDEE to understand your calorie needs