🧠 What Is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a scientific measurement used to assess whether a person’s weight is appropriate for their height. Also known in medical literature as body mass index, it is sometimes referred to in public sources as height-to-weight ratio or height-weight index.
BMI is commonly used to evaluate underweight, overweight and obesity levels and serves as a helpful initial screening tool in public health.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
🔢 How Is BMI Calculated?
The BMI formula is as follows:
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (in meters)
For example:
A person who weighs 70 kg and is 1.70 m tall would have the following BMI:
BMI = 70 / (1.70 x 1.70) = 24.2
🧭 BMI Classification Chart
| BMI Range | Category | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | May indicate nutritional deficiencies or weakened immunity. |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal | Ideal weight. Associated with the lowest health risks. |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Early sign of weight gain. Can lead to obesity if unmanaged. |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obese (Class I) | Increases risk for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obese (Class II) | Significantly raises the risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| 40 and above | Morbid Obesity | Serious health complications. Medical intervention is advised. |
⚙️ How to Use the BMI Calculator?
The BMI Calculator on this page is easy to use and accessible to all users:
- Enter your weight in kilograms (kg)
- Enter your height in centimeters (cm)
- Click the “Calculate” button
- Your BMI result will appear instantly, along with a category and personalized explanation
You will also find links to helpful guides on Nutrition and Diet, Exercise and Movement, Healthy Weight Loss and Gaining Weight based on your result.
🧬 Why Is BMI Important?
BMI is a simple but powerful tool used by public health professionals, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to assess weight-related health risks.
- A high BMI can increase the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and sleep apnea
- A low BMI may indicate malnutrition, hormonal imbalance or immune system weakness
⚠️ However, BMI does not account for body composition, such as muscle mass or fat distribution. Therefore, it should always be interpreted alongside clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider.
🧘♂️ BMI Is Only the Beginning of a Healthy Lifestyle
Knowing your BMI is a helpful step toward improving your well-being. Whether you’re aiming to lose, gain or maintain your weight, you can explore the following sections of our site:
- Nutrition and Diet
- Exercise and Movement
- Healthy Weight Loss
- Gaining Weight
- Or consult with a medical expert for personalized advice
🔍 Remember!
At Ask Asklepios, we are committed to empowering you with accurate, scientific and practical health information. Use our BMI Calculator to understand your body better—and take your first step toward a healthier life today.