BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple numerical value derived from a person’s weight and height. It’s widely used as a screening tool to categorize individuals into weight categories — underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese — which correlate with various health risks.
📐 BMI Formula
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m²)
Example: A person weighing 70 kg with a height of 1.75 m has a BMI of 70 / (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.86 — which falls in the normal range.
📊 BMI Categories (WHO Standard)
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Risk of nutritional deficiency, anemia |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest health risk |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Moderate risk of cardiovascular disease |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obese Class I | High risk |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obese Class II | Very high risk |
| 40.0 and above | Obese Class III | Extremely high risk |
⚠️ Limitations of BMI
- Does not distinguish between fat and muscle — athletes often have high BMI despite low body fat
- Doesn’t account for fat distribution — abdominal fat is more dangerous than peripheral fat
- May not be accurate for the elderly (who lose muscle mass) or different ethnic groups
- Pregnancy and body builders require different assessment methods
💡 Better Health Metrics Alongside BMI
- Waist circumference: Above 80 cm (women) or 94 cm (men) indicates abdominal obesity risk
- Body fat percentage: More accurate than BMI for assessing composition
- Waist-to-height ratio: Should be below 0.5 for healthy range
🧮 Check Your BMI Now
Use our free BMI Calculator to instantly find your BMI and understand what it means for your health. We also provide personalised recommendations based on your result.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance.
