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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify underweight, overweight and obesity in adults.
It is defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres (kg/m2).
| BMI = | weight
(kg) ―――――――――――――――― height (m) x height (m) |
For example, an adult who weighs 70kg and whose height is 1.75m will have a BMI of 22.9.
| BMI = | 70
(kg) ―――――――――――――――― 1.75 (m) x 1.75 (m) |
= 22.9 |
BMI values are age-independent and the same for both sexes.
Source:
WHO
BMI
classification
The International Classification of adult underweight, overweight and obesity according to BMI:
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5–24.9 | Normal |
| more than 25.0 | Overweight |
Overweight can be further subdivided in:
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| 25.0–29.9 | Pre-obsese |
| 30.0-34.9 | Obese class I |
| 35.0-39.9 | Obese class II |
| 40.00 or more | Obese class III |
Compared to a normal weight status, the risk of having additional diseases (comorbidity) becomes greater with increasing overweight.
Source: GreenFacts, based on WHO
BMI
classification
To calculate your own BMI automatically (in English or metric units) see:
BMI Calculator
Deutsch: Body Mass Index (BMI)
Español: Índice de masa corporal (IMC)
Français: Indice de masse corporelle (IMC)
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