Body Mass Index and Weight Loss Information (2024)

Your BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) bythe square of your height (in meters). In other words the algebraicexpression for BMI is kilograms per square meter:

One variable BMI fails to consider is lean body mass. It ispossible for a healthy, muscular individual with very low body fat tobe classified obese using the BMI formula.

Enter your height (in inches) and weight (in pounds) in the boxesbelow and then click "Calculate." The following conversion factorsare used in the metric to english calculations:

If your BMI is below 20: Under Weight

This indicates a lean BMI, which means you have a low amount ofbody fat. If you are an athlete, this can be desirable. If you arenot an athlete, a lean BMI can indicate that your weight may be toolow, which may lower your immunity. If your BMI and body weight arelow, you should consider gaining weight through good diet andexercise habits, to increase your muscle mass.

If your BMI is between 20 and 22: Heralthy Weight

This indicates the ideal, healthy amount of body fat, which isassociated with living longest, and the lowest incidence of seriousillness. Coincidentally, it seems this ratio is what many individualsperceive to be the most aesthetically attractive.

If your BMI is between 22 and 25: Healthy Weight

This is still considered an acceptable range, and is associatedwith good health.

If your BMI is between 25 and 30: Overweight

You are considered overweight and should finds ways to lower yourweight, through diet and exercise. You are at increased risk for avariety of illnesses at your present weight. You should lose weightby changing your diet and exercising more.

If your BMI is over 30: Significantly Overweight

This indicates an unhealthy condition, your excess mass isputting you at risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,gall bladder disease, circulation problems, and some cancers. You should lose weight bychanging your diet and exercising more.

If your BMI is over 40: Dangerously Overweight

A BMI over 40 is dangerously overweight and puts you at severe risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure,gall bladder disease, circulation problems, and some cancers. Losing some weight could save your life.