BMI Calculator
Knowing BMI can help adult men and women understand their overall health. Use the BMI calculator below to determine your body mass index by inputting your height and weight.
Understanding your Body Mass Index
Now that you know your body mass index you are one step closer to mastering your overall health. Find out how to understand your BMI
If your BMI is below 18.5:
Your BMI is considered underweight. Keep in mind that an underweight BMI calculation may pose certain health risks. Please consult your healthcare provider for more information about BMI calculations.
If your BMI is between 18.5 – 24.9:
Your BMI is considered normal. This healthy weight helps reduce your risk of serious health conditions and means you’re close to your fitness goals.
If your BMI is above 30:
Your BMI is considered overweight. Being overweight may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Consider making lifestyle changes through healthy eating and fitness to improve your health. Our Couch to 5K training plan is a great place to start.
Waist Circumference
Measuring waist circumference helps screen for possible health risks that come with overweight and obesity. If most of your fat is around your waist rather than at your hips, you’re at a higher risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. This risk goes up with a waist size that is greater than 35 inches for women or greater than 40 inches for men. To correctly measure your waist, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out.
Risk Factors for Health Topics Associated With Obesity
Along with being overweight or obese, the following conditions will put you at greater risk for heart disease and other conditions:
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol)
- Low HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol)
- High triglycerides
- High blood glucose (sugar)
- Family history of premature heart disease
- Physical inactivity
- Cigarette smoking
For people who are considered obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or those who are overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9) and have two or more risk factors, it is recommended that you lose weight. Even a small weight loss (between 5 and 10 percent of your current weight) will help lower your risk of developing diseases associated with obesity. People who are overweight, do not have a high waist measurement, and have fewer than two risk factors may need to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.
Talk to your doctor to see whether you are at an increased risk and whether you should lose weight. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and other risk factors for heart disease.
The good news is even a small weight loss (between 5 and 10 percent of your current weight) will help lower your risk of developing those diseases.