Body Mass Index Calculator (BMI)
- Underweight — < 18.5
- Healthy — 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight — 25.0 to 29.9
- Obesity — 30.0 or above
What Is the Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Body Mass Index, is a simple and widely used metric that helps estimate your body weight relative to your height. It’s calculated by dividing your weight by the square of your height, and it’s useful for quickly identifying weight categories such as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obesity. Though it doesn’t distinguish between muscle, fat, and bone mass, it’s a handy tool for initial health evaluations.
Understanding Body Mass Index Categories:
Once your BMI score is calculated, it places you in one of several categories:
- Underweight – BMI less than 18.5
- Normal range – BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight – BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obese – BMI of 30 or higher, often subdivided into Class I (30–34.9), Class II (35–39.9), and Class III (40+)
These ranges are internationally recognized and serve as general guidelines.
Why Use a Body Mass Index Calculator on Purely Vital Life?
It’s fast, free, and requires only your height and weight, making it accessible for all users. While it’s not a medical diagnosis on its own, it’s a helpful screening tool that may indicate whether a more detailed health assessment is needed.
Keep in Mind: BMI’s Strengths and Limitations
Body Mass Index is most effective as a quick check for weight categories across large groups, but it doesn’t provide the full picture. It doesn’t account for factors like age, ethnicity, muscle mass (e.g., athletes), or where fat is stored in the body. Because of this, healthcare professionals often combine BMI with other measures like waist circumference, cholesterol, or blood pressure to get a more accurate view of health.
BodyMass Index Categories
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5.
- Normal Weight (Healthy Weight): BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9.
- Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher. Obesity is further divided into three classes:
- Class 1 Obesity: BMI between 30 and 34.9.
- Class 2 Obesity: BMI between 35 and 39.9.
- Class 3 Obesity (Severe Obesity): BMI 40 or higher.
