BMI Calculator

BMI Calculator

A body mass index (BMI) measures body fat. Your BMI is determined by your weight and height. When you enter the weight and height in a BMI calculator, you'll get a number. This number can be used to know if you're an unhealthy or healthy weight.

Calculate Your BMI

Metric ImperialHeightWeight

Once you've got your BMI number, use the chart below to determine whether you'll need for weight gain, maintain your weight or shed weight.

BMI Chart- Adults (Age 20+)

BMI	Weight Status
Below 18.5	Underweight
18.5 - 24.9	Normal or Healthy Weight
25.0 - 29.9	Overweight
30.0 and above	Obese

This BMI calculator for adolescents and children differs from that for adults. Although it is based on weight and height but it also considers age and gender. That's because male and female size and weight vary during growth and development. For young children, BMI is expressed as percentages as compared with other children of the same age and gender.

BMI Chart- Children and Teens (Ages 2 to 19)

Weight Status	Percentile Range
Underweight	<5 percentile percentile
Normal or Healthy Weight	5 to 85 th to 85 th percentile
Overweight	85 the to <95 the percentile
Obese	95 percentile or greater. percentile or greater

If you're concerned regarding your BMI or child's BMI, speak to your doctor.

The path to better health

If your BMI shows you're overweight or obese you can reduce your BMI , by losing weight. You can do this using the most common weight-loss strategies including:

• Consuming healthy food. Choose lean meats and fruits, vegetables, in addition to whole wheat. Reduce your intake of alcohol, sugars, soft drinks, refined food, and juices. Consume fewer calories.
• Engaging in regular exercise.This includes cardio and lifting weights to build muscle and lose fat. This is effective in controlling belly fat. Belly fat increases the risk for certain health conditions. Always consult your physician prior to beginning any exercise routine.
• Being mindful of your portion control. Be careful not to eat too much during meals or snacks.

If your child's weight is high (above the 85 ^{percentile) or is above the 85} percentile) Discuss with your doctor about ways you can help child shed weight.

Things to be considered

If your BMI suggests you're overweight or overweight, then you may be at risk for developing certain medical conditions. They include arthritis, heart disease and certain cancers. BMI doesn't have the ability to identify disease. But, it's an important marker that should motivate you to have a consult with your doctor on ways to lose weight and reduce BMI.

These tools should be used as a guide only. Don't rely on them to make any decisions regarding your health or your child's health. Always speak with your doctor regarding your medical condition(s) or any other issues prior to making any changes to your lifestyle.

For questions to your doctor

• Should I be concerned with what my child's weight is?
• When should I begin monitoring my BMI? When should I take a look?
• Do I have to be a certain weight?
• What is the ideal weight for my child?
• Does BMI include muscles?
• How can I reduce my BMI?
• What can I do to assist my child to reduce his or her BMI?
• How is the time it will take to reduce BMI?