Understanding BMI and Health

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. Use our BMI Calculator.

What BMI Gets Right

At a population level, BMI correlates with health outcomes. Groups with higher average BMIs tend to have higher rates of heart disease and diabetes.

What BMI Gets Wrong

BMI does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. It also does not account for where you carry your fat or your age, sex, or ethnicity.

Better Metrics

Waist circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels are all health indicators that may matter more than BMI alone.