What is BMI? – Complete Guide to Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used method to estimate whether a person has a healthy weight in relation to their height. It provides a simple numeric measure to classify individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. BMI is commonly used in healthcare settings and by individuals to monitor general health and wellness.

The formula for calculating BMI is: weight (kg) / (height in meters × height in meters). For example, a person weighing 70 kg and measuring 1.75 m in height would have a BMI of approximately 22.9.

BMI Classification

BMI values are interpreted as follows:

Benefits of Using a BMI Calculator

Limitations of BMI

BMI does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. For example, athletes may have a high BMI due to muscle mass but have low body fat. Therefore, BMI should be used in combination with other health indicators like waist circumference and body fat percentage.

Tips to Improve Your BMI and Health

Summary

While BMI is a useful screening tool for identifying healthy weight ranges, it should not be the only measure of health. Use our BMI calculator to get your result and follow the tips above to maintain or achieve a healthier lifestyle.

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