What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m², where kg is weight in kilograms and m² is height in meters squared.

BMI Categories

Underweight: BMI less than 18.5 — May indicate nutritional deficiency or other health issues.

Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9 — Associated with the lowest health risks for most people.

Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9 — May increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and other conditions.

Obese: BMI 30 or greater — Associated with higher risks of diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions.

Limitations of BMI

BMI does not directly measure body fat. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI without excess fat. Age, gender, ethnicity, and muscle mass can all influence the relationship between BMI and body fat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BMI accurate for everyone?

BMI is a useful screening tool but not a diagnostic one. It doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, so athletes may be classified as overweight despite being healthy.

What is BMI Prime?

BMI Prime is the ratio of your BMI to the upper limit of normal BMI (25). A BMI Prime of 1.0 or less means you're within the normal range.