Body Mass Index Calculator

If your BMI is less than 20: This indicates a lean BMI, which means you have a low amount of body fat. This is desirable only if you are an athlete. If you are not an athlete, a lean BMI can indicate that your weight may be too low. This may lower your immunity. If your BMI and body weight are low, you should consider increasing your muscle mass with a good diet and exercise program.

If your BMI is between 20 and 22: This indicates the ideal, healthy amount of body fat, which is associated with living longest, and the lowest incidence of serious illness and health problems. This ratio is what many individuals perceive to be the most attractive. Go for it.

If your BMI is between 22 and 25:This is still considered an acceptable range, and is associated with good health. Consider adding an "active" activity to your week.

If your BMI is between 25 and 30: You are considered "Hefty" and should find ways to lower your weight, through diet and exercise. You are at increased risk for a variety of illnesses at your present weight. You should lose weight by changing your diet and exercising more.

If your BMI is over 30: This indicates an unhealthy condition. Your excess "Prosperity" is putting you at risk for a verity of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease and some cancers. You will likely need a lifestyle change to get this under control. Get some help. Your first steps should be changing your diet and exercising more.

Notes:

Muscular People: Some very muscular people can have high Body Mass Indexes, which suggest obesity when they are not. Also, some medical formulas use lean body mass for calculations medication doses.

The formula for lean body mass is
Lean Body Weight (men) = (1.10 x Weight(kg)) - 128 x ( Weight2/(100 x Height(m))2)
Lean Body Weight (women) = (1.07 x Weight(kg)) - 148 x ( Weight2/(100 x Height(m))2)

People of some nations are taller than others. The Icelanders, for example, tend to be tall and Asians tend to be shorter. Some races, ethnic groups and nationalities have different body fat distribution and body composition. Also, because of improving nutrition, the people of many nations are growing taller over time. Therefore, the calculators have to be set for the population in question and adjusted from time to time. This calculator was set in 2003 for those living in the United States.