Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple screening measure that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your body weight falls in a healthy range for your height.
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres (BMI = weight / height²). The result is then compared against WHO weight categories.
Example: A person weighing 65 kg with a height of 170 cm (1.70 m):
BMI = 65 / (1.70 × 1.70) = 65 / 2.89 = 22.5, which falls in the Normal weight range.
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
BMI is a useful general screening tool, but it does not directly measure body fat and may be less accurate for athletes, elderly people, or pregnant women.
According to WHO guidelines, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered a healthy weight range for most adults.
The BMI formula itself is the same for men and women, though body fat percentage at the same BMI can differ between sexes.