CDC Adult BMI Calculator
Enter your weight and height to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).
Understanding Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple numerical measure that is commonly used to classify whether an adult's weight is healthy in relation to their height. Developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, it's a widely accepted screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
How is BMI Calculated?
For adults, the BMI is calculated using a straightforward formula:
BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
Where:
- Weight is measured in kilograms (kg).
- Height is measured in meters (m). If you measure your height in centimeters, you'll need to divide it by 100 to convert it to meters before applying the formula.
For example, if an individual weighs 70 kg and is 1.75 meters (175 cm) tall, their BMI would be calculated as:
BMI = 70 / (1.75 * 1.75) = 70 / 3.0625 ≈ 22.86
What Do Your BMI Results Mean? (Adults)
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) provides standard weight status categories for adults based on their BMI:
- Underweight: Less than 18.5
- Normal or Healthy Weight: 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: 25.0 to 29.9
- Obesity: 30.0 or greater
It's important to note that these categories are general guidelines. For instance, a BMI of 22.86, as in our example, falls within the "Normal or Healthy Weight" range.
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations and should not be used as the sole diagnostic tool for health. It does not directly measure body fat or distinguish between muscle and fat. For example:
- Athletes and very muscular individuals may have a high BMI due to high muscle mass, not excess fat, placing them in an "overweight" or "obese" category even if they are very healthy.
- Older adults may have a healthy BMI but have lost muscle mass and gained fat, which isn't reflected.
- Different ethnic groups may have different associations between BMI and health risks.
Therefore, BMI should be considered alongside other health indicators such as waist circumference, body fat percentage, diet, physical activity levels, and family history when assessing an individual's health status.
Consult a Healthcare Professional
This calculator provides an estimate based on the standard BMI formula. For a comprehensive assessment of your weight and health, always consult with a healthcare professional. They can interpret your BMI in the context of your overall health, medical history, and other relevant factors.