How to Calculate Your BMI for Adults

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to determine if an adult's weight is healthy for their height. It helps identify potential weight-related health risks but does not diagnose any conditions.

Who Can Use This Tool? 

This calculator is for adults aged 18 and older who want to check their BMI. If you're worried about your weight, it's best to talk to a pharmacist or doctor.

Who Should Not Use This Tool?

• Anyone under 18 years old

• Pregnant individuals

• People with eating disorders or who think they might have one

• Those with conditions affecting their height

How to Use the Calculator 

To get your BMI, you'll need to provide:

• Your height

• Your weight

• Your ethnic background (this helps give more accurate advice, as different ethnic groups may have different health risks at various BMI levels)

What Will You See? 

Once you enter your details, you'll get a BMI number and one of these weight categories:

• Underweight

• Healthy weight

• Overweight

• Obese

Next Steps

After receiving your BMI result, you might be asked to measure your waist. This helps understand if excess weight is carried around your stomach area.

Important Notes

• A higher BMI can increase the risk of long-term health issues, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

• BMI doesn’t differentiate between muscle and fat, so someone with high muscle mass might be classified as overweight or obese even if they have low body fat.

• For a clearer picture of your health, consider measuring your waist as well.

If you need to assess your child's BMI, use a specific calculator for children and teenagers aged 2 to 17.