# Body Mass Index

BMI or Body Mass Index is a gross estimate for the amount of fat in your body. It is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height and applies to both men and women between ages of 18 to 65. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

To calculate your BMI, your doctor needs to know your height in metres and weight in Kilograms.
If you would like to have a go at doing it yourself, here’s how:

$mathrm{BMI} = frac{mbox{mass} mbox{(kg)}}{left( mbox{height}(mathrm{m})right)^2}$

1. Multiply your height in metres by your height in metres. For example 1.5 by 1.5 metres gives you 2.25.
2. Then divide your weight in kg by this figure.

So, if you weigh 50 kg, your BMI will be 50 divided by 2.25 = 22.22.
You can also calculate your BMI using our BMI calculator.
Here’s how to classify your BMI:

BMI less than 18.5 – underweight
BMI 18.5 to 22.9 – normal
BMI equal to or more than 23 – overweight
BMI equal to or more than 25 – obese

Calculate your BMI here, the fun way.