Current BMI: This is your Body Mass Index, a ratio of weight to height. It falls into one of four standard WHO categories that apply to adults.
Category: The World Health Organization classifies BMI as: Underweight (under 18.5), Normal Weight (18.5–24.9), Overweight (25–29.9), or Obese (30+). These categories help identify whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height.
Weight to Lose/Gain: This shows how many pounds or kilograms you need to move to reach the nearest boundary of the healthy BMI band (18.5–24.9).
Target Weight Range: The span of weight that corresponds to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for your height—the range considered healthy by WHO guidelines.
Note: BMI does not account for muscle mass, bone density, age, or body composition. A muscular athlete and someone with high body fat can have the same BMI. Use this as one of several health indicators, not the only measure.
You enter your weight and height in either imperial (pounds and feet/inches) or metric (kilograms and centimeters) units. The tool applies the standard BMI formula: in metric, BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared; in imperial, it uses the equivalent calculation with a 703 conversion factor. Once your BMI is calculated, the tool assigns you to one of four WHO categories and then calculates the weight range that maps to a BMI of 18.5–24.9 at your height. Age and gender are collected for context but do not affect the adult BMI calculation.
BMI is less reliable for athletes and very muscular individuals because it doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat. Muscle weighs more than fat, so an athlete might have a high BMI despite low body fat. Consider body composition analysis or body fat percentage for a more complete picture.
Overweight is a BMI of 25–29.9, while obese is a BMI of 30 or higher. These are WHO classifications used to identify weight-related health risks. The obese category carries higher associated risks for conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
A safe rate is generally 1–2 pounds (0.5–1 kg) per week. Faster weight loss can lead to muscle loss, nutrient deficiencies, and other complications. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for a plan tailored to your situation.
No, BMI for children is calculated the same way but interpreted differently using age and gender-specific percentiles. Children's BMI charts account for normal growth variation. Always use pediatric BMI standards for children.
Both have value. BMI is a quick screening tool; body fat percentage is more precise for assessing composition. For a complete picture of health, consider BMI, body fat %, waist circumference, fitness level, and lab work. No single metric tells the whole story.
Estimate only. Results reflect your inputs and standard formulas. Double-check important decisions independently.