Why does BMI matter?
BMI is a simple way to assess health risks associated with body fat. A higher BMI may increase the likelihood of:
- type 2 diabetes and high blood sugar
- cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure
- sleep apnoea and breathing difficulties
- joint problems, gallstones and gout
- certain cancers
Even modest weight loss can reduce these risks. Knowing your BMI is a first step; taking action is the next.
What are the limitations?
BMI is objective but simple. It can be misleading for athletes and muscular men, and older adults may have greater risk even with a BMI in the healthy range.
It does not account for muscle mass, body composition, fat distribution, genetics or lifestyle factors. A health check and professional assessment provide a fuller picture.
How do you calculate BMI?
BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)². For example, 180 cm and 85 kg: 85 / (1.8 × 1.8) = 26.2 — the overweight range.
World Health Organization (WHO) categories for adults:
- below 18.5 — underweight
- 18.5–24.9 — healthy weight
- 25–29.9 — overweight
- 30 and above — obesity
Beyond BMI: body composition
BMI cannot tell muscle from fat. A body composition measurement shows how much muscle, fat and water your body holds, and how much abdominal fat you carry.
Measure your body composition free on the Body composition tour