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BMI

Check your BMI with a BMI Calculator

Body mass index (BMI) is an important measurement when it comes to understanding your weight. While it should not be used to diagnose obesity, it can be used as a screening tool to classify your weight.

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Find your BMI and health risks

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BMI calculator: Check your BMI now

You can use the BMI calculator here to divide your weight in kilograms by your height in metres. Enter your height and weight and check your results in the table below. Click on a BMI class to learn more.

Classification BMI
Underweight Below 18.5
Normal 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight 25.0 to 29.9
Obesity 30 and above
Class I 30.0 to 34.9
Class II 35.0 to 39.9
Class III 40 to 49.9
Class IV 50 to 59.9
Class V 60 and above

This BMI calculator is for adults 18 years or older. Talk to your healthcare professional about your BMI if you're under the age of 18.

Why is BMI important to know?

BMI is a good way to screen your risk of excess body fat potential affecting your health. Living with overweight or obesity is associated with an increased risk of mortality and other diseases or conditions. Studies have shown that generally, the higher your BMI, the greater the risk of developing other chronic obesity-related diseases, including:

 

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Stroke
  • High blood pressure
  • Infertility (in women)
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Coronary artery disease
  • Dyslipidemia
  • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)/Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Metabolic syndrome (MetS)
  • Urinary incontinence 
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Various types of cancer, including, but not limited to, breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, kidney, ovarian and pancreatic
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Blood clots
  • Gout
  • Increased risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy BMI

Ask your healthcare professional for more information about any of these diseases and how they relate to your BMI. You can also learn more about the health benefits of losing weight here.

What are the limits of BMI?

BMI is a simple and objective measurement, but it can be misleading in certain cases and for some groups of people. Research has shown that BMI is less accurate in predicting the risk of disease in people who are older, athletes, those who are tall or short and those with more muscular body types. For example, elite athletes or bodybuilders have more muscle and weigh more, which makes their BMI higher. 

BMI also doesn't take into account:

  • Genetic risk factors associated with obesity-related diseases, such as metabolic syndrome

  • Environmental and lifestyle factors other than obesity that can contribute to your risk of developing chronic disease

  • How body fat is distributed in individuals

It's important to remember that living with obesity doesn't necessarily mean you're unhealthy, just as being at a “normal” weight doesn't mean you're healthy. Your BMI doesn't define you, but knowing and understanding your BMI can be a powerful tool for taking charge of your own health.

Regardless of your BMI, healthcare professionals recommend having a healthy dietary approach and lifestyle. Talk to your healthcare professional about your weight and health and evaluate what actions may be needed. 

References
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