Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and find out if your weight is healthy.

Notes:

BMI is only a general indicator and does not take into account body composition.
It does not distinguish between muscle mass and body fat.
It may not be suitable for athletes, elderly people, children, or pregnant women.
Always consult with a healthcare professional for a complete assessment.

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure that relates weight to height to assess whether a person has a healthy weight. It was developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 19th century and has become a widely used tool in medicine and public health.

How BMI is calculated

BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight (in kilograms) by the square of their height (in meters):

BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]²

For example, if you are 1.70 meters tall and weigh 70 kg, your BMI would be: 70 / (1.70)² = 70 / 2.89 = 24.22

BMI Categories according to WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) establishes the following categories to interpret BMI in adults:

Category	BMI (kg/m²)	Health Risk
Severe underweight	< 16.00	Very high
Moderate underweight	16.00 - 16.99	High
Mild underweight	17.00 - 18.49	Moderate
Normal weight	18.50 - 24.99	Normal
Overweight	25.00 - 29.99	Increased
Obesity class I	30.00 - 34.99	High
Obesity class II	35.00 - 39.99	Very high
Obesity class III	≥ 40.00	Extremely high

Limitations of BMI

Despite its widespread use, BMI has several important limitations:

It does not distinguish between muscle mass, body fat, and bone structure
It does not consider body fat distribution (abdominal fat is more dangerous than peripheral fat)
It may not be suitable for athletes, very muscular people, elderly people, or children
It does not account for ethnic or racial differences in body composition
It does not provide information about other important health factors

For these reasons, BMI should be considered as an initial assessment tool, not as a definitive health diagnosis.

How to improve your BMI?

If your BMI is low

Increase consumption of healthy calories
Include high-quality proteins in every meal
Consume healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil
Perform strength training to increase muscle mass
Consider nutritional supplements under medical supervision
Eat frequently (5-6 small meals a day)

If your BMI is high

Create a moderate caloric deficit (300-500 calories less)
Increase protein intake to preserve muscle mass
Prioritize whole foods, fruits, and vegetables
Combine cardiovascular exercise and strength training
Maintain adequate hydration
Set realistic goals (0.5-1kg per week)
Consider support from a healthcare professional

Other important health indicators

In addition to BMI, these are other indicators that can provide a more complete picture of your health:

Healthy habits to maintain an appropriate weight

Balanced diet: Base your diet on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.
Regular physical activity: Try to perform at least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of intense activity per week.
Adequate hydration: Drink enough water (approximately 2 liters daily).
Quality rest: Sleep between 7-9 hours each night.
Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Moderation with alcohol: Limit consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Avoid tobacco: Smoking negatively affects almost all aspects of health.

BMI Calculator

Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator

Your Body Mass Index