Body Mass Index ( BMI) - Calculator

A BMI from 20 through 26: desirable for most middle-aged adults. Nonsmokers with a consistent BMI within this range have the lowest risk of disease and premature death. In this category, weight gain can be avoided through moderate eating habits and exercise.

A BMI from 27 through 29: moderately overweight, carries a slightly increased risk of weight-related health problems, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart disease and adult-onset diabetes. People in this group have the hardest decision to make about reducing, given the potential health risks of weight loss. To prevent the development of weight-related health problems, most people in this category should avoid gaining additional pounds by adopting a low-fat diet and a routine of regular exercise. Weight loss for cosmetic reasons is very common here.

A BMI of 30 through 40: truly overweight, the risk of developing heart disease and other weight-related conditions rises sharply. Most people should lose weight in this category. Adult-onset diabetics in this category should definitely reduce, since blood-sugar control improves with weight loss.

A BMI of 40 or more: severely overweight, you are in great danger of dying early. 80% eat in frequent binges. Secret eating is common. Best weight loss technique is often a fasting diet. Benefits of losing weight clearly outstrip any dangers.

* Body Mass Index (BMI) may overestimate body fat or inaccurately estimate total body fat in muscular persons or those losing muscle.
For example, older persons often have lost muscle mass and, so, have more fat for a given BMI than younger persons do. That's why waist measurement is often checked as well.

Another reason is that too much body fat in the stomach area also increases disease risk.

Other Measurements to Consider:

Waist-to-hip ratio
Researchers also suggest that the waist-to-hip ratio should replace BMI as the basic measurement of overweight and obesity

Waist-to-hip ratio predicts heart attack risk more accurately than body mass index and is accurate for all ethnic groups. The larger your waist is compared to your hips, the higher your risk of heart attack

Waist-to-Height Ratio
Waist-to-height ratio is calculated by dividing your waist size by your height and is considered by many as a more accurate assessment of health. Waist-to-height ratios measures abdominal fat, which is considered more dangerous than overall fat, which the BMI focuses on.

This calculator has been provided as a guide. If you have any concerns about your BMI or any other medical condition, please seek the advice of your health professional.