Body Mass Index (BMI) is a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters. A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. BMI is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems and increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions.
Below 18.5. Underweight
Being underweight could cause nutritional deficiencies, leading to risks of developing osteoporosis, anemia, tiredness, and a weakened immune system. Underweight BMI indicates that an individual’s diet is not balanced and lacks essential nutrients for the body to work properly.
18.5–24.9. Normal weight
It indicates that you are at a healthy weight for your height. Maintaining a healthy weight lowers your risk of developing serious health problems. Keep up with a whole and balanced diet and regular physical activity.
25.0–29.9. Pre-obesity
It indicates that you are slightly overweight. Excess weight may increase the risk of many health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, etc.
You should keep up with a whole and balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight.
30.0–34.9. Obesity class I
This indicates that you are heavily overweight. Your health may be at risk if you do not lose weight. It makes you more likely to have heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, and many more. You should change your lifestyle and keep up with a whole and balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight.
35.0–39.9 Obesity class II
Excess weight, especially obesity, diminishes almost every aspect of health, from reproductive and respiratory function to memory, mood, and overall quality of life. However, the good news is that weight loss can curtail some obesity-related risks. Losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of body weight offers meaningful health benefits to people who are obese. You should change your lifestyle and keep up with a whole and balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight.
Above 40. Obesity class III
It indicates that your weight is dangerously high. Obesity decreases the quality and length of life. However, the good news is that weight loss can curtail some obesity-related risks. Losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of body weight offers meaningful health benefits to people who are obese.
Below you can find a table summarizing BMI.
