⚖️ What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a widely used health indicator designed to assess an individual’s body weight relative to their height. In other words, it offers a quick and easy way to determine whether a person falls within a healthy weight range, is underweight, overweight, or potentially obese.

Moreover, BMI is a convenient tool because it requires only two pieces of information: a person’s weight in kilograms and height in meters. Once calculated, the result provides a general overview of one’s body composition.

🧭 How to Interpret BMI Results

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), here is how BMI values are interpreted:

BMI Value	Classification
Less than 18.5	Underweight (thinness)
Between 18.5 and 24.9	Normal weight (healthy range)
Between 25 and 29.9	Overweight
Between 30 and 34.9	Moderate obesity
Between 35 and 39.9	Severe obesity
40 and above	Morbid or massive obesity

Thus, understanding your BMI allows you to evaluate your general health status quickly and identify whether lifestyle changes may be needed.

⚠️ Important Considerations About BMI

Although BMI is a useful general tool, it is essential to understand its limitations. Specifically, it does not take into account muscle mass, age, or gender. For example, athletes or bodybuilders may have a high BMI due to increased muscle—not excess fat.

Therefore, while BMI serves as a helpful initial screening method, it should not replace a full medical evaluation. For a more accurate assessment of your health and weight status, it is strongly recommended to consult a qualified healthcare professional.