Calculate your Body Mass Index to determine if you're at a healthy weight for your height.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to adult men and women. It is widely used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems.
For a person who is 170 cm tall and weighs 68 kg:
BMI = 68 kg / (1.7 m × 1.7 m) = 68 / 2.89 = 23.53
This falls within the normal weight category.
While BMI is a useful screening tool, it does have limitations. It doesn't directly measure body fat and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, overall body composition, and racial and sex differences.
For most adults, BMI provides a good estimate of weight-related health risks. However, it should be used as a starting point for discussions with healthcare providers about healthy weight goals.
• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5 - may indicate malnutrition, eating disorders, or other health problems
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9 - considered a healthy weight range
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9 - may indicate excess body weight
• Obesity: BMI 30 or greater - may indicate high body fat with associated health risks
BMI is calculated using the following formula:
Or alternatively:
For imperial measurements:
BMI does not distinguish between weight from fat and weight from muscle. Athletes with high muscle mass may have a high BMI but low body fat.
It also doesn't account for fat distribution, which can affect health risks. Waist circumference may provide additional information about health risks.