Body Mass Index
Your Body Mass Index is a measurement of your body weight based on your height and weight. Your BMI "number" will inform you if you are underweight, of normal weight, overweight, or obese. However, due to the wide variety of body types, the distribution of muscle and bone mass... It is not appropriate to use this as the only or final indication for diagnosis...
Body Mass Index Formula
The formulas to calculate BMI based on two of the most commonly used unit systems:
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BMI = weight(kg)/height2(m2)
(Metric Units)
BMI = 703·weight(lb)/height2(in2) (U.S. Units)
BMI Table for Adults
This body weight based on BMI values for adults. It is used for both men and women, age 18 or older.
Category | BMI range - kg/m2 |
Severe Thinness | < 16 |
Moderate Thinness | 16 - 17 |
Mild Thinness | 17 - 18.5 |
Normal | 18.5 - 25 |
Overweight | 25 - 30 |
Obese Class I | 30 - 35 |
Obese Class II | 35 - 40 |
Obese Class III | > 40 |
BMI can be used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.