Adult men and women can use the body mass index (BMI), a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. Body Mass Index (BMI) is measured by splitting a person’s weight in kilograms (or pounds) in comparison to their height in meters squared (or feet).
A high BMI may indicate high body fatness. Although BMI does not directly measure body fat, it is linked with other, more precise body fat measurements. Furthermore, these accurate body fat measurements appear to be as closely linked with various metabolic and illness outcomes as BMI.
What is an ideal BMI for Men & Women?
Since the 1970s, the prevalence of adults with a BMI greater or equal to 30 kg/m2 (obese status) has significantly grown. Except for older women, this trend has now leveled off. The prevalence of obesity among adult women 60 years and older has risen over time.
How is BMI calculated?
Both adults and children have the same BMI calculation methods. The following formulas are used in the calculation:
1. Meters and kilograms (or centimeters): Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]
BMI is calculated using the metric system, which divides weight in kilos divided by height in meters squared. Height is often measured in centimeters, thus multiplying the centimeter value by 100 to get the equivalent height in meters.
BMI Calculation Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m)
Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98
2. Pounds and inches: Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703
Weight in pounds (lbs) divided by height in inches (in) squared is multiplied by a conversion factor of 703 to determine body mass index (BMI).
Example: 5’5″ (65″) tall and 150 pounds.
Number crunching: [150 (65)2] x 703 = 24.96
What is the BMI chart for Women & Men?
BMI is interpreted using specific weight status categories for people aged 20 and over. These categories apply to both men and women of all ages and physical kinds.
The table below displays adults’ weight status categories and BMI ranges.
BMI Weight Status
- Below 18.5 -Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9 -Healthy Weight
- 25.0 – 29.9 -Overweight
- 30.0 and Above -Obesity
How accurate is the BMI as a measure of body fatness?
There is a rather significant association between BMI and body fatness. However, despite having the same BMI, two people’s body fat levels may vary.
- Women often have greater body fat than males at the same BMI.
- Depending on the racial/ethnic group, the quantity of body fat at a certain BMI may be higher or lower.
- Older persons typically have greater body fat than younger adults at the same BMI.
- Athletes have less body fat than non-athletes do at the same BMI.
In addition, in those with higher levels of both BMI and body fatness, the accuracy of BMI as a measure of body fatness is higher. While a person with an extremely high BMI (such as 35 kg/m2) is likely to have a high body fat percentage, a somewhat high BMI can result from either a high body fat percentage or a high lean body mass (muscle and bone).
Ideally to understand one’s health better he or she must get few other metrics calculated too apart from the BMI Calculator. The most common among these calculators are a Macro calculator, BMR Calculator and Weight Loss Calculator.
When should you calculate BMI?
- To find out if you have a healthy weight, compute your BMI. To identify whether you are underweight, regular weight, overweight, or obese, your BMI is crucial.
- If your BMI is under 18.5, you are considered underweight.
- A healthy BMI ranges from 18.6 to 24.9.
- If your BMI measures 25 to 29.9, you are considered overweight.
- If your BMI score is 30 and above, you are obese.
- Determine whether you are a contender for bariatric surgery using your BMI. In some cases, to qualify for bariatric surgery, your BMI may need to be higher than a specific threshold. For instance, in the UK, if you do not have diabetes, your BMI must be at least 35; if you do, it must be at least 30 to be eligible for bariatric surgery.
- Monitor the evolution of your BMI over time. Your BMI can also be used to monitor long-term changes in your weight. For instance, calculating your BMI regularly may be useful if you wish to track your weight loss.
- Before weighing more pricey and invasive options, determine your BMI. A BMI of less than 25 is regarded as a healthy body weight. If you have an above-average muscle-to-fat ratio, you should undertake skin fold testing to see if you have too much fat.
