Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used screening tool for measuring body fat based on your height and weight. It applies to adult men and women and provides a useful indication of whether you are at a healthy weight for your height.
| Classification | BMI Range (kg/m²) | Health Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | Below 18.5 | Nutritional deficiency risk |
| Normal Weight | 18.5 - 24.9 | Low Risk |
| Overweight | 25.0 - 29.9 | Moderate Risk |
| Obesity (Class I) | 30.0 - 34.9 | High Risk |
Limitations of BMI
While BMI is a useful indicator for most people, it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences. Athletes with high muscle mass may be classified as overweight despite having low body fat.