BMI & Healthy Weight
How to Use Your BMI Result
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a quick screening tool that compares your weight to your height to estimate whether you’re within a typical range for health risk. It does not directly measure body fat or fitness, but it’s useful for population-level guidance. If you lift weights or carry more muscle, your BMI may look “high” while your body fat is normal—use waist size, strength, and fitness as context.
For most adults, a BMI of 18.5–24.9 is considered a healthy range. Above that, risk for conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea tends to rise; below that, risks include low energy and nutrient deficiencies. Combine this result with daily calorie targets from the Calories (BMR & TDEE) calculator and better sleep timing using the Sleep Planner for sustainable change.
Next steps: aim for adequate protein, regular steps or strength sessions, and consistent sleep. Track progress weekly, not daily—small changes compound.
Related tools
FAQs
Is BMI accurate?
It’s a screening metric, not a body-fat measurement. For very muscular or petite body types it can misclassify. Use it with waist size, fitness, and labs from your clinician.
What if I’m “overweight” but active?
Check waist:height ratio (~≤0.5) and resting heart rate/fitness. If those look good, BMI may be overstating risk.
How do I lower BMI safely?
Create a small daily calorie deficit (see Calories), lift 2–3×/week, walk daily, and sleep 7–9h.