Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on the weight and height of an individual. Most medical professionals use BMI to categorize people as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), individuals with a BMI (kg/m2)

  • less than 18.5 , are considered underweight
  • 18.5 to < 25 are considered normal
  • 25 to < 30 are considered overweight
  • 30 < 40 are considered obese
  • ≥ 40 are considered extremely obese

    • It's important to note that although BMI is accurate most of the time, it may overestimate or underestimate body fat. For example, BMI doesn't distinguish between body fat and muscle mass, which weighs more than fat. Many athletes have been labeled "obese" because of their high BMI, when they actually have a low percentage of body fat. BMI also may underestimate body fat in older people and others who have lost muscle. For elderly person, a BMI of less than 21 can be a sign of malnutrition.

    BMI can be calculated using the BMI equation or can be determined by using the BMI Index Chart