What is BMI?
Body Mass Index is a simple ratio of weight to height: weight (kg) ÷ height (m)². It is widely used as a quick screening tool for weight categories that may indicate health risk.
BMI categories (WHO)
- Below 18.5 — Underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9 — Normal weight
- 25 to 29.9 — Overweight
- 30 and above — Obese
Important: BMI does not distinguish muscle from fat and does not measure body composition or fat distribution. Athletes and very muscular people may have a high BMI while being healthy.
