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How to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if your weight is healthy. It's a simple calculation that helps categorize individuals into different weight statuses.

The formula for calculating BMI is: BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m) ^ 2)

Using the BMI calculator: an example

Let's calculate the BMI for an individual with a height of 175 cm and a weight of 70 kg.

Step-by-step calculation:

• Convert height to meters: 175 cm / 100 = 1.75 m
• Square the height: 1.75 m * 1.75 m = 3.0625 m²
• Divide weight by squared height: 70 kg / 3.0625 m² ≈ 22.86 kg/m²
• The calculated BMI is approximately 22.9.

BMI Categories

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a good BMI range?
   A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered a healthy weight range for most adults.
2. Is BMI accurate for everyone?
   BMI is a useful screening tool but may not be accurate for certain groups, such as highly muscular athletes, pregnant women, or the elderly, as it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass.
3. How often should I check my BMI?
   For general health monitoring, checking your BMI annually or as advised by your healthcare professional is usually sufficient.
4. What are the limitations of BMI?
   BMI does not account for body composition (muscle vs. fat), fat distribution, age, sex, or ethnicity, which can all influence health risks. It's best used as one indicator among many.