About the BMI Calculator
The Body Mass Index (BMI) scale is often used by doctors to determine if you are at a healthy weight for your height.
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BMI is accurate for most people but not all. It may overestimate body fat if you are muscular or athletic and report a high BMI. Likewise, if you have low muscle mass it may underestimate your body fat and report a low BMI.
This tool is not a substitute for talking to your doctor about weight-related health concerns.
What Is Adult BMI?
Body Mass Index or BMI is based on your height and weight. Doctors often use BMI to determine if a person is underweight, at a healthy weight or is overweight. While BMI is accurate for most people, it doesn’t work for everyone. It’s important to remember that:
Body Mass Index or BMI is based on your height and weight. Doctors often use BMI to determine if a person is underweight, at a healthy weight or is overweight. While BMI is accurate for most people, it doesn’t work for everyone. It’s important to remember that:
- You could have a high BMI but be at a weight that is considered healthy if you’re muscular or athletic.
- You could have a normal BMI and have poor nutrition.
- It’s important to talk to your doctor about weight-related health risks.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Body Mass Index.
Available at http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/.
Accessed May 1, 2007.
The Practical Guide: Identification, Evaluation and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. National Institutes of Health. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. October 2000.
