BMI Calculator

A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight according to WHO guidelines. However, optimal BMI may vary slightly based on age, gender, and ethnicity. Some research suggests the healthiest BMI for adults is in the 20-22 range.

BMI can be misleading for athletes and bodybuilders because it cannot distinguish between muscle and fat. A muscular person may be classified as 'overweight' or 'obese' by BMI despite having low body fat. In such cases, body fat percentage measurement is a better indicator.

For general health monitoring, checking BMI once every few months is sufficient when combined with other health indicators. BMI changes slowly with consistent diet and exercise, so daily or weekly checks are unnecessary.

Standard adult BMI categories do not apply to children and teens (ages 2-20). For young people, BMI is interpreted using age- and gender-specific percentile charts. A child at the 85th-95th percentile is considered overweight.

BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. While a high BMI is associated with increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, individual health depends on many factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, family history, and physical activity level.