BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) to assess your weight category based on height and weight.
What is a healthy BMI range?
BMI categories: Underweight <18.5, Normal 18.5-24.9, Overweight 25-29.9, Obese 30+. Normal range (18.5-24.9) is associated with lowest health risks. However, BMI has limitations - doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or body composition. Athletes may have "overweight" BMI due to muscle. Use BMI as one health indicator, not the only measure.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
BMI limitations: Doesn't distinguish muscle from fat (bodybuilders may be "obese"), doesn't account for age, gender differences, or fat distribution. Not accurate for: Athletes, elderly, pregnant women, children (use pediatric BMI charts), very tall/short people. Better measures: Body fat percentage, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference. BMI works reasonably well for average sedentary adults as population screening tool.
How can I improve my BMI?
To lower BMI: Create calorie deficit (eat less, move more), aim for 1-2 lbs loss/week, focus on whole foods, increase protein, strength train to preserve muscle, get adequate sleep. To increase BMI (if underweight): Calorie surplus with nutritious foods, strength training to build muscle, eat more frequently, consult doctor to rule out medical issues. Sustainable changes work better than crash diets.
What BMI do I need to lose or gain?
Calculate target: Normal BMI range 18.5-24.9. For 5'10" (70"), healthy weight = 129-174 lbs (BMI formula: weight = BMI x height^2 / 703). Example: Current 200 lbs, 5'10" = BMI 28.7 (overweight). To reach BMI 24.9 (upper normal): Need to lose ~26 lbs to 174 lbs. Safe loss = 1-2 lbs/week = 13-26 weeks. Set realistic, gradual goals.