BMI Calculator: Beyond the Numbers
Discover what your BMI really means and why it's just one piece of the health puzzle.
Dr. Michael Chen
January 12, 2024
4 min read
Health
BMIHealthFitness
Understanding BMI
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used metric for assessing whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height. However, it's important to understand both its usefulness and limitations.
How BMI is Calculated
BMI is calculated using the formula: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)²
BMI Categories
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25-29.9
- Obese: BMI 30 or greater
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has several limitations:
- Doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat
- May not be accurate for athletes or very muscular individuals
- Doesn't account for bone density
- May not be appropriate for all ethnic groups
Beyond BMI: Other Health Indicators
Consider these additional factors for a complete health picture:
- Waist circumference
- Body fat percentage
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Overall fitness level