BMI Calculator

BMI Calculator

A body mass index (BMI) measures the body's fat. Your BMI is based on your weight and height. When you input your measurements and your weight into a BMI calculator, you'll get a number. It's one way to determine whether you're an unhealthy or healthy weight.

Calculate Your BMI

Metric ImperialHeightWeight

Once you have an BMI number, you can use the chart below to figure out the need to gain weight, keep your weight, or lose weight.

BMI Chart- Adults (Age 20+)

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 - 24.9	Normal or Healthy Weight
25.0 - 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and above	Obese

The BMI calculator for adolescents and children is different than that used by adults. It uses height and weight, it also uses gender and age. It's because gender and male height and weight change during growth and development. For children, BMI is expressed as an percentile when compared with other children similar in age and gender.

BMI Chart- Children and Teens (Ages 2 to 19)

Weight Status	Percentile Range
Underweight	5 the percentile
Normal or Healthy Weight	5 5 to <85 5th to 85 percentile
Overweight	85 percentile to 95 85th to 95 percentile
Obese	95 th percentile or higher

If you're concerned about your BMI or child's BMI, talk with your physician.

A path to improved health

If your BMI indicates that you're obese or overweight you can lower the BMI through losing weight. This can be achieved by following the usual weight-loss guidelines for example:

• Consuming healthy food. Choose lean meats, fruits, vegetables, as well as whole grain. Limit alcohol, sugar soft drinks, refined food, and juices. Consume fewer calories.
• Training regularly.This includes cardio and lifting weights to build muscle and shed weight. This can help in controlling belly fat. Belly fat can increase the risk of developing certain diseases. Always consult your physician before you begin a workout routine.
• Be mindful of your portion control. Do not eat too much during meals and snacks.

If your child's BMI is excessive (above the 85 ^{percentile or the 85th} percentile), talk with your doctor about how you can help child lose weight.

Things to take into consideration

If your BMI indicates that you're overweight or fat, you could be at risk for certain health issues. They include heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers. BMI doesn't have the ability to diagnose disease. It is, however, an important indicator to motivate you to have a conversation with your doctor regarding ways to shed weight and lower your BMI.

These tools should serve as guides only. Don't count on them to make any decisions regarding your health or that of your child's. Always talk with your doctor regarding your medical condition(s) or any other issues prior to making any lifestyle changes.

For questions to your doctor

• Should I be concerned with your child's body weight?
• When should I start monitoring my BMI? How often should I do it?
• What is my ideal weight?
• What is my child's ideal weight?
• Does BMI account for muscle?
• How can I lower my BMI?
• What can I do to help my child lower the BMI of their child?
• How many years will it take to reduce BMI?