Understanding Body Mass Index
BMI (Body Mass Index) is an indicator used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess a person's body composition. It helps determine whether a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.
The Calculation Formula
BMI is calculated by dividing weight (in kg) by height squared (in meters). It's a simple and fast method to assess body composition.
BMI = Weight (kg) / Height² (m)
BMI Limitations
BMI doesn't account for the distribution between fat mass and muscle mass. A very muscular athlete may have a high BMI without being overweight. Similarly, BMI is not suitable for children, teenagers, pregnant women or elderly people.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to WHO, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 corresponds to normal weight. However, the 'ideal' BMI depends on many individual factors. Consult a healthcare professional for a personalized assessment.
No. BMI is a statistical indicator that doesn't suit high-level athletes, very muscular people, pregnant women, children and elderly people. It gives a general indication but doesn't replace medical advice.
If your BMI indicates overweight, consult a nutritionist for a tailored program. Generally: adopt a balanced diet, practice regular physical activity (150 min/week), and aim for a gradual loss of 1-2 lbs per week maximum.
The BMI formula is the same for men and women. However, at the same BMI, women naturally have more body fat than men (about 10% more), which is physiologically normal and doesn't represent a health problem.