The body mass index (BMI) is a tool used to measure body fat based on an individual’s height and weight. BMI is also used to identify if an individual is at risk of being over- or underweight, or is at a healthy weight.

Calculate your BMI by entering your height and weight into the calculator below. For information about measuring a child’s BMI, click here.

Your Height:			feet
and			inch(es)
Your Weight:			pounds
Your BMI:

What does your result tell you?

If your BMI is:	That means you are:	What else does it mean?
18.5 or less	Underweight	You may have poor stamina and a weak immune system, and suffer from complications associated with micronutrient deficiencies.
18.5 - 24.9	Normal Weight	Keep exercising and eating a healthful diet to maintain your current healthy weight.
25 - 29.9	Overweight	You have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
30 or greater	Obese	You have an even greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

Keep in mind, two individuals may be the same height and weight (as in the graphic to the right), and therefore have the same BMI, but have very different health concerns.

Also, at the same BMI:

• women tend to have more body fat than men, and 
• older people tend to have more body fat than younger adults.

What’s more, athletes or other individuals who exercise vigorously may have a high BMI because of their high muscle mass (rather than fat).

Only your physician can advise you on the ideal weight for your individual body type. Speak with your doctor about any weight concerns you might have.

CHILDREN:

Because children’s body’s fatness changes as they grow, BMI for children is referred to as BMI-for-age, and is gender and age specific. Health care professionals use percentile cutoff points to identify underweight and overweight in children:

BMI-for-age	Weight Status
< 5th percentile	Underweight
5th percentile to < 85th percentile	Normal
85th percentile to < 95th percentile	At risk for overweight
> 95th percentile	Overweight

It is particularly important for children to aim for and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of becoming overweight and developing associated diseases as an adult. Help your child or teen develop healthy habits by preparing and eating healthful meals you can enjoy together, and finding ways to exercise on most days of the week.