Body mass index helps you understand whether you are at a healthy weight. However, it does not provide information about how fat is distributed in the body. The calculation is useful in estimating the ideal body weight based on an individual’s height.
What is body mass index?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of how healthy a person’s body weight is relative to their height. It is used to determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. BMI provides a guide to assess health status, but alone may not be sufficient for a healthy body.
How is body mass index calculated?
Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by the square of their height. The body mass index calculation formula is as follows:
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²
For example, for a person weighing 70 kg and 1.75 m tall, the calculation would be:
BMI = 70 / (1.75 x 1.75) = 70 / 3.0625 = 22.86
This result gives the person’s Body Mass Index. The range in which BMI falls determines whether an individual is overweight, normal weight, or overweight.
What should be the body mass index?
The ideal range for Body Mass Index (BMI) is generally considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. This range indicates a healthy body weight.
BMI values below 18.5 indicate underweight. BMI alone does not provide complete information about health status, because factors such as muscle mass, genetic factors and body composition must also be taken into account.
Body mass index table
The table showing Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges is as follows:
- 18.5 and below: Underweight (Low weight)
- 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight
- 25 – 29.9: Overweight
- 30 – 34.9: Obese (Class 1)
- 35 – 39.9: Obese (Class 2)
- 40 and above: Morbidly obese (Class 3)
This table helps to understand whether a person’s body weight is healthy according to their height. However, BMI alone does not provide complete information about health status. Muscle structure and other factors should be taken into account.