Evaluate somatic body composition against World Health Organization (WHO) classifications.

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Body Mass Index (BMI) Assessment

Example

Input: 80kg, 180cm

Result: 24.7 (Normal Range)

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Select System: Choose Metric or Imperial.
  2. Record Mass: Current body weight.
  3. Measure Stature: Standing height.
  4. Assess: View risk category.

What is Body Mass Index (BMI) Assessment?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a heuristic proxy for human body fat based on an individual's weight and height. It serves as a primary screening metric for epidemiological categorization of weight status (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obesity).
⚕️ Safety First: This calculator provides general health estimates. It does not replace a clinical assessment by a doctor.

How it Works

1. Specify Morphology: Choose between Metric (kg/cm) or Imperial (lbs/in) systems. 2. Record Mass: Input current body weight. 3. Measure Stature: Input standing height. 4. Analyze Classification: Determine position on the WHO scale.

FAQ

Is BMI clinically accurate for athletes?

No. BMI fails to distinguish between lean muscle mass and adipose tissue, often misclassifying hypertrophic athletes as overweight.

What is the clinical 'Normal' range?

The WHO defines the normal range as 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m².

Does age impact BMI interpretation?

Standard BMI thresholds apply to adults 20+. For children and adolescents, BMI is plotted on growth charts as percentiles.

Is BMI a diagnostic tool?

No, it is a screening tool. It indicates potential health risks but does not diagnose specific conditions.

How does ethnicity affect BMI risks?

Certain populations (e.g., Asian descent) may experience metabolic risks at lower BMI thresholds (often >23).

Conclusion

While BMI acts as a useful initial screening tool for population health, it does not distinguish between adiposity (fat) and lean muscle mass. This assessment should be contextualized with other metrics like waist circumference and metabolic markers.

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References & Standards

This calculator uses formulas and data standards from WHO Guidelines to ensure accuracy.

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