Understanding Body Mass Index (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 a person's weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in metres squared. It is used to broadly categorize a person's weight as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. While it can be a useful screening tool, it does not diagnose body fatness or the health of an individual.
BMI Categories
The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are:
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight
- 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
- 30.0 and above: Obesity
Limitations of BMI
It’s important to remember that BMI is a general guideline and has its limitations. It does not account for factors like body composition (muscle vs. fat), age, sex, or ethnicity. For example, athletes with a high muscle mass may have a high BMI but not have high body fat. Therefore, it's best to use BMI as part of a larger health assessment in consultation with a healthcare provider.