Is BMI accurate for everyone?
No. It's a general screening tool suitable for most adults, but less accurate for athletes, highly muscular people, older adults, and pregnant or breastfeeding women — these groups need different measures or interpretations.
Why do some countries use different BMI cutoffs?
Studies found that some Asian populations face obesity-related health risks at lower BMI values than the standard global thresholds, so the WHO adopted special cutoffs for them (overweight from 23 instead of 25, obesity from 27.5 instead of 30). This tool uses the standard global thresholds.
What's the difference between BMI and body fat percentage?
BMI measures the relationship between total weight and height only, while body fat percentage actually measures how much of your body weight is fat. Two people with the same BMI can have very different body fat percentages depending on muscle mass.
Is this calculator suitable for children and teens?
No. Children and teens (under 18) are assessed by comparing their BMI to age- and sex-specific percentile charts, not fixed adult cutoffs. Consult a pediatrician to assess your child's weight.
How do I reach the healthy range shown in my result?
The message below your result estimates roughly how many kilograms (or pounds) you'd need to gain or lose to reach the normal range (18.5–24.9) for your height. This is a rough general-guidance figure, not a diet plan.
