Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess if you're at a healthy weight. BMI is a widely used screening tool that helps identify potential weight-related health issues.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from your weight and height. It's used by healthcare professionals worldwide as a screening tool to categorize individuals into weight status categories. While BMI doesn't directly measure body fat, it correlates with more direct measures of body fat and can indicate potential health risks associated with being underweight or overweight.
Metric: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²
Imperial: BMI = [weight (lbs) / height (in)²] × 703
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Increased risk of malnutrition |
| 18.5 - 24.9 | Normal weight | Minimal health risk |
| 25 - 29.9 | Overweight | Increased health risk |
| 30 and above | Obese | High health risk |
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI despite being healthy. Similarly, it may not accurately reflect body fat in older adults who have lost muscle mass. Kalnut recommends consulting with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive health assessment.
BMI is a general screening tool and may not be accurate for athletes, pregnant women, elderly individuals, or those with high muscle mass. It should be used alongside other health metrics for a complete picture of your health status.
According to the World Health Organization, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for most adults. However, healthy weight ranges can vary based on individual factors like age, gender, and ethnicity.
It's beneficial to calculate your BMI whenever there's a significant change in your weight or as part of regular health check-ups. For those actively managing their weight, monthly BMI tracking with Kalnut's calculator can help monitor progress.
BMI can indicate potential health risks associated with weight. Higher BMI is linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. However, it's just one factor and should be considered along with other health indicators, lifestyle factors, and family history.
Medical Disclaimer: This BMI calculator is provided by Kalnut for informational purposes only. BMI is a screening tool and not a diagnostic of body fatness or health. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice and health assessments.