Determining Your Ideal Weight: A Guide Based on Height and Weight - BMI Calculator
Table of Contents
DISCLAIMER
The information provided here is for general understanding only and should not be used as medical advice or for diagnosis. Always consult with your family doctor or a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and recommendations.
What Is Body Mass Index (BMI)?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a calculation of the human body. It consolidates both weight and height, to determine if the weight of the individual is appropriate for their height.
What Is a BMI Calculator?
A BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator is a tool that helps you determine whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on your height and weight. It calculates a numerical value, which is your BMI.
How to Calculate BMI
To obtain the body mass index: BMI = weight / height² (pounds / feet & inches²) or (kg / cm²).
Below, you'll find a BMI calculator.
BMI Calculator
BMI calculator is for informational purposes only.
BMI Range
| BMI Status Category | Range (kg/km2) |
|---|---|
| Underweight | less than 18.5 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 - 24.9 |
| Overweight | 25 - 29.9 |
| Obesity | 30 + |
Categories & ranges were referenced from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. For more information, click here.
What Do the Different BMI Ranges Indicate?
These ranges give a quick overview of where your weight falls in relation to your height and what it could mean for your health.
Underweight (BMI less than 18.5):
You may need to gain weight for better health.
Normal Weight (BMI 18.5 - 24.9):
You have a healthy weight for your height.
Overweight (BMI 25 - 29.9):
You may be at risk for health issues and could benefit from losing some weight.
Obese (BMI 30 or higher):
You are at a higher risk for health problems and should consider weight loss for better health.
How Accurate Is a BMI?
There are many controversies regarding the accuracy and useability of BMI in practical settings. The biggest criticism of BMI is that it does not account for body composition. In other words, BMI cannot distinguish between fat mass and lean body mass. For example, two people with the same BMI score may have very different physiques and health status. In addition, it is imprecise to predict health status as someone categorized in the normal range may have metabolic health disorders, whereas someone in the obese range may be perfectly healthy. Therefore, additional screening tools such as waist circumference and body fat percentage may be used with BMI for a more comprehensive assessment.
Despite its drawbacks, BMI is still a valuable tool for providing a quick overview of people's weight status. The majority of the population lies within the BMI scale, which proves BMI useful in identifying individuals who may be at risk for certain health conditions associated with being underweight, overweight, or obese.
Recommendations to Sustain Ideal Weight
Diet
Consume a balanced diet with sufficient protein, carbohydrates, and fats from healthy sources. Avoid ultra-processed foods and prioritize whole foods. Distribute your meals throughout the day and have a set schedule.
Physical Activity
Engage in regular physical activity that includes both cardiovascular and strength training. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with resistance training for two or more days weekly.
Sleep
Make sure you have at least 8 hours of sleep for sufficient body and brain recovery.
What Is the Ideal Weight for Someone of My Height, Age, and Activity Level?
You may have seen and used various tools and calculators for body weight standards. However, how much one should weigh depends on several factors that these tools may neglect and thus contribute to inaccurate interpretations. These contributing factors include body composition, age, ethnicity, lifestyle factors, and personal goals.
Always consult with your family doctor or a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and recommendations.
