Expert Insight: Healthy Living & BMI Guide
What does your Body Mass Index really mean? How can you maintain an ideal weight? Discover 2026 health tips.
Read Health Guide →What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height. It provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems in adults. BMI does not directly measure body fat, but it correlates well with direct measures of body fat and is easy to calculate.
BMI Formula
Imperial: BMI = 703 × weight (lb) ÷ height² (in)
BMI Categories (Adult)
| BMI Range | Category | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Increased risk of nutritional deficiency, osteoporosis |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest risk; ideal range |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obese Class I | High risk of metabolic syndrome |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obese Class II | Very high risk |
| 40 and above | Obese Class III | Extremely high risk; severe obesity |
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations. It may overestimate body fat in athletes who have a high muscle mass, and underestimate body fat in older adults who have lost muscle mass. BMI also doesn't account for where fat is stored in the body — abdominal fat carries higher health risks than fat elsewhere.
Always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive health assessment rather than relying solely on BMI.