The Body Mass Index is a simple calculation that helps compare a person’s weight to the general population. It was originally developed to study large numbers of people. Now it is used to determine if an individual’s weight is appropriate. Depending on the result, BMI divides people into 5 categories: underweight (under 18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight(25-29.9), obese (30-39), morbidly obese (40 and over).
The index is calculated by dividing the weight of a person in kilograms by the square of their height in meters. The index is expressed in the unit kg/m2
Weight needs to be converted to kilos (2.2 pounds in one kilo) and height into meters (3.28 feet in 1 meter).
Use this calculator to know your BMI:
Higher BMIs have a higher chance of certain types of cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, mortality and poor quality of life.
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