Body Mass Index (BMI)

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool that can be used to tell how healthy a person's weight is. You can use the BMI to find out if you're a healthy weight for your height. Use the BMI Calculator on our home page to calculate your BMI.

The BMI weight ranges, as set out by the World Health Organisation (WHO), are outlined below:

• If your BMI is less than 18.4, you're underweight for your height
• If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you're an ideal weight for your height
• If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you're over the ideal weight for your height
• If your BMI is between 30 and 39.9, you're obese
• If your BMI is over 40, you're very obese

If you have a BMI of over 25, you need to think about losing weight because you have an increased risk of developing serious health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and several forms of cancer.

If your BMI is over 30, you need to make some immediate changes to your lifestyle in order to lose weight, prior to any action it would be advisable to consult wth your Doctor.

Notes:

• This is general advice for adults only - it doesn't apply to children
• When you work out your BMI, remember to take into account your body frame and your build - your BMI may not be accurate. For example, your BMI may not be accurate if you're a weight-trainer, an athlete, or if you're pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Your BMI may not be accurate if you're over the age of 60. This is because your bones may begin to weigh less as you get older
• If you have a long-term health condition, talk to your Doctor before starting any weight-loss programme
• Talk to your Doctor if you have noticeably lost, or gained, weight recently for no known reason.