Body Mass Index Calculator : What is your BMI ?

A Body Mass Index Calculator helps you calculate your Body Mass Index, or BMI, which is a basic measure to understand how healthy or unhealthy your weight is, with respect to your height. Although your BMI is not an absolute measure of good health, it is fairly accurate for the average person. The Body Mass Index Calculator (BMI) is not accurate for people who have very high body muscle mass, therefore confusing the scale between healthy weight and unhealthy weight. Similarly, a person who's body weight might fall within a normal BMI range, might still have health issues that are un-related to overall weight. However, since this is rare and only holds true for a few, you can depend on the BMI for general personal health feedback.

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good source to find out if you are at a healthy or unhealthy weight. Use this Body Mass calculator to find out your BMI, and get helpful information to maintain a healthy weight and prevent various ailments.

BMI is the best assessment of finding out if you have a healthy weight with regards to your height. If your BMI is above the health range, then you are at raised risk of serious health problems like diabetes, heart problems and certain types of cancer.

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BMI for adults

Since adults come in various shapes, sizes and heights, a wide range of BMI is considered healthy for an adult of any given height and weight. A BMI above the healthy range indicates that you're heavier than the required weight range at that given height. .

• BMI below 18.5 

This BMI score indicated that you are underweight and, more precisely, malnourished. The reason for having such a low BMI score can be anything. Check with your doctor and follow a proper balanced diet to avoid complications due to a very low BMI score.

• BMI between 18.5-24.9

This range can be considered to be the healthy range. It shows that you have a healthy weight for your height. But, don't stop eating your daily healthy food, because to maintain healthy weight it is still important to eat a healthy diet and include physical activity in your daily life. 

• BMI score of 25 or more

In simple language, you are heavier than the actual healthy weight at that given height. This BMI score can put you at an increased risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Hence, act upon before it is too late. 

• BMI of 30 or more

If your BMI score is above 30, it clearly indicates that you are obese. Being obese or nearing the level of obesity can put you at a risk of health problems like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes. Losing weight is the only option to improve your health. Talk to your doctor and follow a specific diet to maintain a healthy weight. 

BMI for children

BMI for children is interpreted in a much different way when compared to BMI calculations for adults. While calculating BMI for children, a child's weight in relation to their height, age and sex is taken into consideration. This term is called as BMI centile. By using BMI centile, it helps us to indicate whether you child is growing as expected at that given age, sex and height.

There are four basic categories, after calculating your child's BMI centile. They are…

• Underweight: below 2nd BMI centile

• Healthy weight: between the 2nd and 90th BMI centile

• Overweight: between 91st and to 97th BMI centile

• Obese: at or above 98th BMI centile. This BMI centile category is called 'very overweight'.

A healthy child is one who falls into the healthy weight category. Whereas, overweight BMI category indicates that your child has a possibility of gaining various obesity-related health problems. 

BMI Facts: What to do if you are overweight?

For people who are in the overweight or obese category, they should lose weight to lower the risk of various health problems. Hence, lower your risk by taking these three simple steps.

Lose weight – besides lowering your risk to various health problems it will also heal your back and joint pain problems. 

Food and diet – change your lifestyle with small, but long lasting, steps. Eat fewer calories, give out junk food and follow a strict healthy diet.

Health and fitness – this is the most important part of losing weight. Start a fitness routine that includes aspects of cardio and strength training.

*Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images

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