What is BMI?
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity in adults.
BMI is calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m^2).
BMI Categories:
- Underweight: BMI is less than 18.5. People with a BMI in this category may be at risk for health problems such as osteoporosis, anemia, and decreased immune function.
- Normal weight: BMI is 18.5 to 24.9. This is the ideal BMI range, and people with a BMI in this category are generally at a lower risk for health problems.
- Overweight: BMI is 25 to 29.9. People with a BMI in this category may be at risk for health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
- Obese: BMI is 30 or more. People with a BMI in this category are at a higher risk for health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
- Severely obese: BMI is 35 or more. People with a BMI in this category are at a high risk for health problems and may experience significant mobility and quality of life issues.
- Morbidly obese: BMI is 40 or more. People with a BMI in this category are at a very high risk for health problems and may experience significant mobility and quality of life issues.