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BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It's a numerical value calculated from your weight and height that provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. It's used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

While BMI is a useful screening tool, it has limitations. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build, and it may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.

For most adults, checking your BMI once a month is sufficient to track changes. If you're actively trying to lose or gain weight, you might check it every 1-2 weeks. Remember that daily fluctuations in weight are normal and often reflect water retention rather than actual fat changes.

For adults aged 20 and older, a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal or healthy. A BMI below 18.5 is underweight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30 or above is obese. However, optimal BMI may vary slightly based on ethnicity and other factors.

This calculator is designed for adults. Children and teens need BMI calculations that account for their age and sex, as their body composition changes as they grow. For accurate BMI assessment for those under 20, please consult a pediatrician.

BMI correlates with the amount of body fat, and higher amounts of body fat are associated with increased risk for many diseases including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, breathing problems, and certain cancers. Maintaining a healthy BMI can help reduce these risks.

If your BMI indicates you're overweight or obese, consider consulting with a healthcare provider about a safe weight loss plan. Generally, combining a balanced, reduced-calorie diet with increased physical activity is recommended. Even modest weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can produce health benefits.

If your BMI is below 18.5, consult with a healthcare provider to rule out any medical conditions causing unintentional weight loss. They may recommend dietary changes to gain weight healthily, focusing on nutrient-dense foods rather than just increasing calories from unhealthy sources.

The BMI calculation is the same for adult men and women. However, women naturally tend to have more body fat than men at the same BMI. This is why BMI should be considered along with other measurements like waist circumference for a more complete health assessment.

Yes, other methods include waist circumference measurement, waist-to-hip ratio, skinfold thickness measurements, bioelectrical impedance, underwater weighing, and DEXA scans. However, these typically require special equipment or professional administration, making BMI the most accessible screening tool.