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Body Mass Index (BMI)

Weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). A coarse population-level screening number.

BMI was designed for population statistics, not individual diagnosis. The WHO classifies adults as underweight (<18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25.0–29.9), or obese (≥30.0).

BMI doesn't distinguish muscle from fat, doesn't account for frame size, and is less reliable for athletes, the elderly, or people of certain ethnic backgrounds. Pair it with waist-to-hip ratio or body-fat percentage for a fuller picture.

Calculators that use this

BMI CalculatorBody Mass Index and healthy weight range.Body Fat CalculatorBody fat percentage (U.S. Navy method).Waist-to-Hip Ratio CalculatorWHR and cardiovascular risk category.Healthy Weight CalculatorHealthy weight range for your height.
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