November 8, 2009





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Photography by Renée Comet

Body Mass Index Calculator

Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is an estimate of your body fat, based on your height and weight




Knowing your BMI is important, because the number indicates whether or not your weight is a threat to your health. The higher the BMI, the more health risks that you incur.

While it is generally accurate, the BMI can read too high for athletes or others with large, heavy muscles. Likewise, it can exaggerate low readings for frail older people who have lost muscle mass. The calculation is the same for both men and women.

Start by entering your information into the form below. After entering your height and weight, click the My BMI button to get your BMI number.

Step 1

Enter your height:

   
Step 2

Enter your weight:

(pounds)

   

   
Results

Your BMI is:

 



What does this number mean to you?

Compare your BMI to the chart below:


less than 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Healthy
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 or more Obese

Is your BMI in the healthy range? Congratulations!

If your BMI identifies you as overweight or obese, though, your weight may be at risk to your health. A high BMI reveals added risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, and osteoarthritis. Obesity itself is associated with premature death.

If your BMI is 25 or higher, see your doctor now, and begin a weight-loss program to increase your chances of staying fit as a fiddle.