Free BMI Calculator

BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a measure used to detect possible weight problems in adults. BMI is a decent measurement for the general population and can be a good indicator of overweight and obese conditions but it definitely has its flaws and is not the most accurate measure in some instances.

For example, at the same BMI, women tend to have more body fat than men and older people tend to have more body fat than older people. This means that for a woman and a man (or a young person and an older person) who have that same BMI, the woman and older person will have a higher body fat percentage.

Also, people who are very athletic and get a lot of exercise generally have higher levels of muscle and therefore may have BMI levels that indicate they are overweight, when in fact the extra weight they carry is due to muscle (which weighs more than fat).

However, BMI is often a good indicator that lifestyle changes are needed for someone who does not follow a healthy diet and exercise program. High BMI is often correlated with obesity, which multiplies your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and many other conditions. Be sure you understand a few simple healthy eating guidelines to help keep your BMI at a healthy level.

Use the free BMI calculator above to find the general category you fall under, but keep in mind this number may not always be an accurate indication of your body mass level, for the reasons explained above:

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