What BMI measures
BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. It is a quick screening tool for whether weight may be affecting health.
Limitations
BMI does not tell muscle from fat, and it does not account for age, sex or ethnicity. Athletes may have a high BMI with little body fat.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy BMI?
For most adults, 18.5 to 24.9 is considered the healthy range.
Can BMI be used for children?
Children and teens use BMI-for-age percentiles instead of the adult ranges.
Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. It is a screening tool. Waist size and body fat give a fuller picture.