Underweight	2nd centile or Below
Healthy	Between the 2nd and 91st centiles
Overweight	91st centile or Above
Highly Overweight	98th centile or Above

Limitations of BMI

Calculating Body Mass Index or BMI also have some limitations that are,

It does not account for the Muscle Mass and the mass of muscle is more than the fat. So a person with high BMI can actually be fit if it has higher muscle mass as compared to fat mass. Athletes with higher body mass such as Weight-Lifter, Wrestler, etc. are fit even though their BMI is higher than the normal people.

Other Limitations:

• BMI is not a diagnostic tool and doesn’t account for body composition (muscle mass vs. fat mass), age, sex, ethnicity, or other health factors.
• Individuals with muscular builds or pregnant women may have a high BMI without being unhealthy.
• It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice regarding weight and health.

Health Risks of Being Overweight

BMI of 25 and above is considered to be over weight and various health risk associated to overweight are:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Conditions
• High Triglycerides
• Stroke
• High Blood Pressure
• Osteoarthritis or Breakdown of Joint Cartilage
• Sleep Apnoea or Intermittent Breathing Obstruction During Sleep
• Breathing Trouble
• Hernia
• Varicose Veins
• Cataract
• Gout

If your BMI falls outside the “normal” range, discuss it with your doctor to understand what it means for your individual health and explore potential risk factors. BMI can be a starting point for conversations about healthy lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, but it shouldn’t be used as the sole indicator of health. Focus on overall well-being and healthy habits rather than fixating on a specific BMI number.

Risks of Being Underweight

BMI of 19 and below is considered to be under weight and various health risk associated to overweight are:

• Vitamin Deficiencies
• Anaemia (low red blood cell count and hence reduced capacity to carry oxygen)
• Diminished Immunity or Ability to Ward off Infections
• Osteoporosis or Brittle Bones
• Malnutrition
• Developmental Delays in Children
• Hormonal Imbalances

FAQs on BMI

What is BMI Full Form?

Full form of BMI is Body Mass Index.

How is BMI Calculated?

BMI is calculated using the BMI calculator added above.

What is a Good BMI for 20 Year Old?

The good BMI for a 20 year old adult is in the range of 19 – 25.

How is Obesity Defined in Children Aged 2 to 20?

In case of children of age 2-20 overweight is defined above 95th percentile for specific age group.

What is a Normal BMI for Children?

For child BMI greater than 5th percentile and less than 85th percentile for specific age and gender is considered to be normal.

What is Ideal BMI for a Man?

Ideal BMI for a man in India as suggested by the authorities is in the range of 18.5-25.

What is Ideal BMI for a Woman?

The ideal BMI for the man and women is the same, i.e. BMI of women is in the range of 18.5-25.

What is BMI Calculator?

BMI calculator is a free calculator prepared by GeeksforGeeks that give the Body Mass Index of any individual by simply adding its Height, Weight, Age and Gender.

How do I Find Out My Body Mass Index?

You can easily find your BMI by using the body BMI Calculator added above.

Is a BMI of 24 fat?

A BMI of 24 is generally considered within the “normal weight” range. However, BMI is a basic measure and may not account for individual variations in body composition.

Is BMI a good weight calculator?

BMI is a widely used tool to assess body weight, but it has limitations as it does not consider muscle mass or distribution of fat. It is a general indicator and should be interpreted alongside other health assessments.

How can I gain weight?

To gain weight, focus on a balanced diet with increased calorie intake, include strength training exercises to build muscle, and consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist for personalized advice.

Why is BMI calculated?

BMI is calculated to assess whether an individual’s weight falls within a healthy range or if there is a risk of health issues associated with being underweight or overweight.

Who gave BMI formula?

BMI formula was developed by Adolphe Quetelet, a Belgian statistician, in the 19th century. It was later popularized and adopted by health organizations.

How to reduce BMI?

To reduce BMI, adopt a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

How much should a 5″6 female weight?

Ideal weight varies, but a healthy weight for a 5’6″ female is typically considered to be within a range of approximately 117 to 155 pounds.

How much should a 5″5 female weight?

A healthy weight for a 5’5″ female is generally considered to be within a range of about 111 to 147 pounds.

How much should a 6″2 female weight?

Ideal weight varies, but a healthy weight for a 6’2″ female is typically considered to be within a range of approximately 144 to 190 pounds.

How much should a 5″4 female weight?

A healthy weight for a 5’4″ female is generally considered to be within a range of about 108 to 144 pounds.

How much should a 5″6 male weight?

Ideal weight varies, but a healthy weight for a 5’6″ male is typically considered to be within a range of approximately 128 to 169 pounds.

Does BMI and age matter?

BMI can be affected by age, as body composition changes over time. However, the interpretation of BMI remains generally consistent across different age groups, but it may not be as accurate for older adults. Other factors like muscle mass and overall health should also be considered alongside BMI, especially in older individuals.