A BMI (Body Mass Index) calculator is a tool that helps determine whether an individual has a healthy body weight for a given height.
BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²).
The result is then classified into categories such as Very Severely Underweight, Severely Underweight, Underweight, Normal Weight, Overweight, Obese, Class 1 Obesity, Class 2 Obesity, Class 3 Obesity based on standard BMI ranges. It’s often used as a general indicator of health risks related to weight.
Limitations of BMI Calculator
- Doesn’t directly measure body fat
- Doesn’t account for muscle mass (athletes may register as “overweight”)
- May not be suitable for elderly, pregnant women, or certain ethnic groups
- Doesn’t consider fat distribution (abdominal vs. other areas)
BMI is best used as one component of a broader health assessment rather than as a standalone diagnostic tool.