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Body
Mass Index Calculator
Calculate
your BMI and compare yourself to friends with a similar
age and height.
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What
is BMI?
Your
BMI (Body Mass Indicator) is an objective scientific
measure, that uses your height and weight to determine
approximate body fat.
In
theory, your BMI count correlates with the amount
of body fat in your body. The BMI theory does have
flaws however as the relation between fatness and
BMI differs with age and gender. (Women are more
likely to have a higher percent of body fat than
men for the same BMI. Likewise, older people will
have higher BMI than younger people.)
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BMI
Weight Status
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20
& Below
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You
have a low amount of body fat. If you are an athlete,
this can be desirable. If you are not an athlete,
a lean BMI can indicate that your weight may be too
low which may lower your immunity. If your BMI and
body weight are low, you should consider gaining weight
through good diet and exercise habits, to increase
your muscle mass.
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Between
20-22
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This
level indicates the ideal, healthy amount of body
fat, which is associated with living longest, and
the lowest incidence of serious illness. Coincidentally,
it seems this ratio is what many individuals perceive
to be the most aesthetically attractive.
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Between
22-25
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This
level is still considered an acceptable range, and
is associated with good health, although you may benefit
from losing a few extra pounds.
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Between
25-30
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you
are slightly overweight and should lower your weight.
You are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses
at your present weight.
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30
& Above
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This
indicates an unhealthy condition, your excess weight
is putting you at risk for heart disease, diabetes,
high blood pressure, gall bladder disease and some
cancers.
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What
Does This All Mean?
So you
have calculated your BMI and found which weight category
your BMI matches. What does this all mean?
BMI
is not the only indicator of health risk. It is just one
of many factors possibly related to developing a chronic
disease (such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes). Other
factors that may be important to look at when assessing
your risk for chronic disease include:
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Diet |
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Physical
Activity |
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Blood
Pressure |
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Blood
Sugar Level |
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Cholesterol
Level |
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Family
History of Disease |
Whatever
your BMI score, talk to your doctor to see if you are at
an increased risk for disease and if you should lose weight.
Even a small weight loss (just 10% of your current weight)
may help to lower the risk of disease.
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