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BMI Formula:
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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m²).
The calculator uses the standard BMI formula:
Where:
Explanation: BMI provides a simple numeric measure of a person's thickness or thinness, allowing health professionals to discuss weight problems more objectively with their patients.
Details: Asian populations have different BMI cut-off points for overweight and obesity because they develop health risks at lower BMI levels than non-Asian populations.
Asian BMI Categories:
Non-Asian BMI Categories:
Tips: Enter weight in kilograms and height in meters. Select whether you are Asian or non-Asian for appropriate category interpretation.
Q1: Why different categories for Asians?
A: Asians tend to have higher body fat percentage at lower BMI levels and develop obesity-related diseases at lower BMI thresholds.
Q2: Is BMI accurate for athletes?
A: BMI may overestimate body fat in athletes with high muscle mass and underestimate it in older people who have lost muscle mass.
Q3: What's a healthy BMI range?
A: For Asians, 18.5-22.9; for non-Asians, 18.5-24.9. However, individual factors should also be considered.
Q4: Can children use this calculator?
A: No, children need age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts as their body composition changes with growth.
Q5: What are alternatives to BMI?
A: Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, or body fat percentage measurements may provide additional information.