BMI Calculator

No, BMI is often inaccurate for athletes and bodybuilders. Because muscle is denser than fat, a muscular person may have a high BMI (classifying them as 'overweight' or 'obese') despite having low body fat. For these individuals, Body Fat Percentage is a much better health metric.

While the standard 'Normal' range is 18.5–24.9, recent research suggests that for adults over 65, a slightly higher BMI (25–27) may be protective against mortality and illness. However, women over 50 should also monitor waist circumference, as visceral fat increases health risks even at a normal BMI.

BMI is a simple calculation using only height and weight, while Body Fat Percentage measures the actual amount of fat tissue in your body compared to lean mass. BMI is a general screening tool, whereas Body Fat Percentage provides a specific look at metabolic health and body composition.

To lower your BMI, you need to lose weight through a combination of a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity. Aim for a safe weight loss rate of 1-2 lbs per week. Focus on whole foods, protein, and reducing processed sugars rather than extreme crash diets.

Technically, the standard adult BMI chart is unisex—the same cutoff points apply to both men and women. However, women naturally have higher essential body fat than men. Doctors may interpret the results differently based on gender and individual body composition.

A BMI over 30 is strongly linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, including Type 2 Diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), coronary heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer.

This is often called being 'skinny fat' (normal weight obesity) or having a dense frame. If you have a large frame or significant muscle mass, your weight may be high relative to your height. Conversely, you can have a 'Normal' BMI but still have dangerous levels of visceral fat around your organs.

A pound of muscle weighs same as a pound of fat, but muscle is much denser and takes up less space. BMI only measures total weight, not density. Therefore, a compact, muscular person will weigh more than a person of the same size with more fat, leading to a higher BMI score.

Epidemiological studies often find a 'U-shaped' curve for mortality, where the lowest risk of death is found in the high-normal to slightly overweight BMI range (23–27). Being underweight (BMI < 18.5) and significantly obese (BMI > 35) are both associated with higher mortality risks.