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BMI Calculator for Men & Women

The Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator is a simple yet effective tool that helps you understand if your weight is in a healthy range based on your height and weight.

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Your BMI Result

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0 18.5 24.9 29.9 40+
Underweight
Healthy
Overweight
Obesity
Discover where you stand on your wellness journey.

What is BMI (Body Mass Index)?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a simple and widely used method for assessing an individual's body weight in relation to their height. It helps determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Although it doesn't directly measure body fat, BMI is an effective screening tool to categorise individuals based on their general health and potential risk for related conditions.

BMI Categories

Understanding your Body Mass Index (BMI) is the first step towards better health. Once you calculate your BMI using the tool on this page, it is important to know what your number means.

Here is a simple breakdown of the BMI categories used worldwide: Quick Tip: BMI is a general indicator, not a diagnosis. Muscle mass, age, gender, and body composition can affect your result. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice.

How to Use the BMI Calculator?

Using the BMI calculator is quick, easy, and only takes a few seconds. All you need is your height and weight to get started, and you will know how to calculate the BMI.

01

Enter Height & Weight

Input your height in feet and inches and weight in Kilograms.

02

Click on “Calculate BMI”

The tool will instantly compute your Body Mass Index.

03

View Results

Your BMI score will appear along with a category (e.g., Underweight, Normal, Overweight, or Obese).

Tip: For the most accurate results, measure your height and weight without shoes and heavy clothing.

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BMI (Body Mass Index) Formula

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a simple method used to assess an individual's body weight in relation to their height. The formula for calculating BMI helps categorise individuals into different weight ranges, aiding in health assessments. BMI is calculated using the following standard formula:

International System of Units (SI)

BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]²
  • Let us understand it better, with a reference example:
  • If you weigh 70 kg and your height is 1.75 meters (175 cm):
  • BMI = 70 / (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.86

Using Imperial Units:

BMI = (weight in pounds × 703) / [height in inches]²
  • Here is an example for the Imperial Unit:
  • If you weigh 154 lbs and are 69 inches tall:
  • BMI = (154 × 703) / (69 × 69) = 22.74

Thus, this score places you in the "normal weight" category.

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 BMI Chart for Adults (Age 18+)

Whether you are trying to stay healthy or planning a fitness journey, this Body Mass Index chart for adults aged 18 and above helps you understand where you stand. It is a quick reference to see how your height and weight combine to form your Body Mass Index. The Merck Manual Professional Table lists these weight ranges for the given height intervals: 

Height Underweight Normal Weight Overweight Obese
150 cm < 41 kg 41 – 56 kg 57 – 67 kg > 67 kg
155 cm < 44 kg 44 – 60 kg 61 – 72 kg > 72 kg
160 cm < 47 kg 47 – 64 kg 65 – 77 kg > 77 kg
165 cm < 50 kg 50 – 68 kg 69 – 81 kg > 81 kg
170 cm < 53 kg 53 – 72 kg 73 – 86 kg > 86 kg

Healthy Tips Based on Your BMI Score

If You're Underweight

BMI < 18.5
  • Eat more calorie-dense, nutritious foods like nuts, seeds, dairy, avocados, and lean proteins.
  • Have frequent small meals throughout the day, even if you are not very hungry.
  • Add healthy snacks like smoothies, protein bars, and dried fruit to your daily routine.
  • Include strength training to build muscle mass and increase healthy weight gain.

If You're in the Healthy Range

BMI 18.5 – 24.9
  • Maintain a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
  • Stay active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 5 days a week.
  • Sleep well and manage stress, as they directly affect weight and overall health.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid excess sugar or processed food.

If You're Overweight

BMI 25 – 29.9
  • Cut back on processed foods, sugary drinks, and fried items.
  • Focus on portion control and mindful eating habits.
  • Increase physical activity, especially walking, cardio, or swimming.
  • Aim to lose 5–10% of your body weight, which can significantly reduce health risks.

If You're Obese 

BMI 30 or higher
  • Seek professional guidance from a healthcare provider or nutritionist.
  • Start with small, manageable changes in your eating and activity habits.
  • Consider medically supervised weight loss programs, if needed.
  • Avoid crash diets, focus on long-term lifestyle changes.

The Risks of Being

Being underweight might not seem harmful at first, but it can lead to several health issues, especially if it is due to poor nutrition or an underlying condition. Just like being overweight, being underweight can affect your body in serious ways.

  • Weakened Immune System: Without enough nutrients, your body has a harder time fighting off infections, making you more likely to get sick.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Underweight individuals often don’t get enough essential vitamins and minerals, leading to problems like anaemia, brittle bones, and fatigue.
  • Bone Health Problems: Low body weight can reduce bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures, especially in older adults.
  • Fertility Issues: In women, being underweight can cause irregular menstrual cycles or even stop periods altogether, making it harder to conceive.
  • Hair, Skin, and Nail Problems: A lack of nutrients can cause thinning hair, dry skin, and fragile nails, visible signs of poor health.

Carrying extra body weight can do more than affect how you look; it can have a real impact on your health. Being overweight increases the risk of developing several serious medical conditions that can affect your quality of life over time.

  • Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure: Excess weight puts more strain on your heart, raising the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Being overweight is one of the leading causes of insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.
  • Joint Pain and Osteoarthritis: Extra body weight adds pressure to your joints, especially the knees and hips, increasing the risk of joint pain and arthritis.
  • Breathing Problems and Sleep Apnea: Fat stored around the neck can block airways, leading to breathing issues and conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
  • Digestive Issues: Overweight individuals are more likely to suffer from acid reflux, gallstones, and fatty liver disease.
  • Mental Health Concerns: Weight issues can sometimes lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to social stigma or body image struggles.
Quick Reminder: You don’t have to make drastic changes overnight. Even small weight losses, just 5 to 10% of your body weight, can reduce many of these health risks.

Pro Tip: Along with lifestyle changes, you might also consider exploring Health Insurance for BMI to better manage the potential financial impact of these health risks.

Why is BMI Important for Your Health?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a crucial indicator of your overall health because it helps identify whether your weight falls within a healthy range. It provides a quick assessment of body fat based on your height and weight, helping to flag potential health risks such as obesity, underweight conditions, or malnutrition.

Here's why BMI matters:

BMI vs Body Fat Percentage – What's More Accurate?

While both BMI and body fat percentage are used to assess body composition, they serve different purposes and vary in accuracy. Understanding the distinction can help you choose the right tool for your health goals.

Feature BMI (Body Mass Index) Body Fat Percentage
Definition Ratio of weight to height (kg/m²) Percentage of total body weight that is fat
What It Measures General weight status Actual body fat composition
Ease of Use Very easy – needs only height and weight Requires tools or devices for accurate measurement
Accuracy Less accurate for muscular or athletic individuals More accurate for assessing health and fitness
Considers Muscle Mass No – may misclassify muscle as fat Yes – distinguishes fat from lean mass
Fat Distribution Insight No – doesn't show where fat is located Yes – can be combined with tools to assess fat location

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

While BMI is a helpful starting point, it may not give the full picture. Here are situations where you should consider seeing a doctor:

~ Pro Tip : Even if your BMI is in the normal range, regular checkups are essential to monitor your overall health. And here's a smart way to stay ahead—with a medical insurance plan from Care Health Insurance, you not only get financial protection but also enjoy annual health check-ups as part of your policy benefits. It is a proactive way to detect health issues early and stay on top of your wellness journey.

Know Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How accurate is BMI in measuring body fat?

BMI is a useful screening tool for most people, but it doesn’t distinguish between fat and muscle mass, or where the fat is located.

Q. How do I calculate BMI differently for adults and children?

For adults (18+), BMI is a simple calculation of weight and height. For children and teens (2–19), BMI is age and gender-specific, and results are shown using percentiles.

Q. How often should I calculate my BMI?

To monitor changes without overreacting to day-to-day fluctuations: during weight goals or fitness plans, check monthly. Otherwise, 1–2 times a year is usually sufficient.

Q. Does body shape or body frame size affect BMI?

No, BMI is determined solely by an individual's height and weight and does not consider body shape or frame size.

Q. What are the limitations of the BMI calculator?

BMI doesn't differentiate between fat and muscle, nor does it consider fat distribution, age, gender, or body composition.

Q. Can I use a fat percentage calculator at home without special equipment?

Yes, you can use a fat percentage calculator at home without any special equipment. Most online calculators only need your age, gender, weight, height, and sometimes waist or hip measurements to estimate your body fat percentage accurately.

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Disclaimer: Refer to our BMI Calculator page to check body mass index online.

The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.

~You may or may not be eligible for the health insurance plan. Please confirm with your policy executive.

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