CDC Adult BMI Calculator
Use this calculator to determine your Body Mass Index (BMI) and see how it compares to CDC's adult BMI categories. BMI is a screening tool that can indicate whether a person is underweight, has a healthy weight, is overweight, or has obesity.
Your BMI Results:
Your BMI:
BMI Category:
Understanding Your BMI with CDC Guidelines
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple numerical measure that is widely used as a screening tool to categorize individuals into different weight status groups. Developed in the 19th century by Adolphe Quetelet, BMI is calculated using a person's weight and height. For adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides specific categories to interpret BMI values, helping to assess potential health risks associated with weight.
How BMI is Calculated
The formula for BMI is straightforward: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]2. Our calculator simplifies this by allowing you to input your weight in pounds and height in feet and inches, automatically converting these measurements to kilograms and meters for the calculation.
CDC Adult BMI Categories
For adults aged 20 and older, the CDC defines BMI categories as follows:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal or Healthy Weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25.0 to 29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30.0 or greater
These categories are general guidelines and are used by healthcare professionals to identify individuals who may be at increased risk for certain health problems.
Why is BMI Important?
BMI is a useful indicator because it correlates with body fat for most people. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness, which can lead to various health issues, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers. Conversely, a very low BMI can also indicate health risks, such as malnutrition or weakened immune function.
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a valuable screening tool, it's important to understand its limitations:
- Muscle Mass: BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat. Athletes or individuals with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but very little body fat, incorrectly placing them in an "overweight" or "obese" category.
- Age, Sex, and Ethnicity: BMI interpretations can vary based on these factors. For example, older adults may have less muscle mass than younger adults, and different ethnic groups may have different healthy BMI ranges.
- Body Fat Distribution: BMI doesn't account for where fat is stored. Abdominal fat (around the waist) is considered more dangerous than fat stored in other areas.
- Children and Teens: BMI for children and teens is interpreted differently, using age- and sex-specific growth charts, not the adult categories.
Therefore, BMI should be used as one piece of information in a comprehensive health assessment. A healthcare provider can consider your BMI along with other factors like waist circumference, diet, physical activity levels, family history, and other health screenings to provide a complete picture of your health status.
How to Use the Calculator
To use our CDC Adult BMI Calculator:
- Enter your Weight: Input your current weight in pounds into the "Weight (lbs)" field.
- Enter your Height: Input the feet portion of your height into the "Height (feet)" field and the inches portion into the "Height (inches)" field.
- Click "Calculate BMI": The calculator will instantly display your calculated BMI, your corresponding CDC BMI category, and a brief interpretation.
Example Scenarios:
Let's look at a few examples:
- Example 1: Healthy Weight
A person weighing 150 lbs and standing 5 feet 7 inches tall.- Weight: 150 lbs (68.04 kg)
- Height: 5′ 7″ (67 inches = 1.70 m)
- BMI Calculation: 68.04 / (1.70 * 1.70) = 23.5
- Result: BMI of 23.5, categorized as Normal weight.
- Example 2: Overweight
A person weighing 180 lbs and standing 5 feet 6 inches tall.- Weight: 180 lbs (81.65 kg)
- Height: 5′ 6″ (66 inches = 1.68 m)
- BMI Calculation: 81.65 / (1.68 * 1.68) = 28.9
- Result: BMI of 28.9, categorized as Overweight.
- Example 3: Obesity
A person weighing 220 lbs and standing 5 feet 8 inches tall.- Weight: 220 lbs (99.79 kg)
- Height: 5′ 8″ (68 inches = 1.73 m)
- BMI Calculation: 99.79 / (1.73 * 1.73) = 33.3
- Result: BMI of 33.3, categorized as Obesity.
Remember, this calculator is for adults. If you have concerns about your weight or health, please consult with a healthcare professional.