BMI Calculator

• Healthy BMI range
• Healthy weight for this height
• Action (how much weight to lose/gain to reach the healthy range of BMI)
• Suggestions to achieve normal BMI

For those above the age of 20 years, the ideal BMI for men ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. If the BMI for men falls below the BMI range of 18.5, they are considered to be underweight and if it goes beyond the higher mark of 24.9, then they are treated under the overweight category.

In both the cases of being underweight or overweight, the person in question is advised to take active steps to move towards the healthy range so as to avoid falling prey to any serious illness.

^{Disclaimers: Figures are sourced from the official website of India Pediatrics and are as per the revised IAP growth charts for Body Mass Index for 5-to-18-year-old Indian children.}

^{*Equivalent to adult overweight index. **Equivalent to adult obesity index.}

^{^^Source: https://www.indianpediatrics.net/jan2015/jan-47-55.htm}

In the US, growth measurement scales are different and so is the BMI calculation for children. Their national public health agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests the categorization of BMI for children and teens between the age group of 2 and 20.

• Assessing body weight and related health risks: By using a BMI calculator, a physician can get an idea of the patient's current health status. Based on this, they can come up with a better treatment plan. Also, if there are signs of potential health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, the patient can be informed and advised accordingly.
• Managing body weight: On an individual level, the BMI calculator works as an ‘Obesity Indicator,’ since it is useful in managing how much weight one should lose or gain to be in the normal BMI range. If used periodically, it can track changes and make amends, if needed.
• Public health assessment: To prepare national health-related data, BMI plays a significant role. For this purpose, BMI calculators are particularly useful.
• To determine insurance premium: When determining the life insurance premium (or health insurance premium), insurance companies often ask for medical tests or conduct the same themselves. In this medical assessment, BMI calculators are used to determine the health of the applicant. If one is obese or severely underweight, this can impact the premium.
• Weight Tracking: BMI calculators are very beneficial for weight watchers during their weight loss or gain journey. The tools help in periodic tracking and keep the weight goals in check.

While the BMI value alone cannot be the indicator of ones health but it gives an idea. If you fall in the category of high or very-high risk profile, it can significantly impact your sum assured as well as the premium amount.

Although the basic anatomy of a male and a female body differ significantly, due to a lack of separate BMI ranges, insurance companies use the same calculation as well the same BMI ranges to determine the health-risk of a male and a female, alike.

• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart problems
• Insulin resistance
• Varicose veins
• Stress-induced physical and mental conditions
• PCOD (Poly-cystic Ovarian Diseases)
• Breathing problems
• Sleep apnea
• Clinical depression and other mental health related illnesses
• Gynecological conditions
• Cancer of breast, kidney, colon, gall bladder, endometrial, liver, etc.

• Vitamin deficiency
• Anemia
• Lessening Immunity
• Malnutrition
• Hormonal imbalance
• Osteoporosis

All these conditions and diseases mark a person as a high-risk profile, especially when purchasing health insurance or life insurance plan. When found so, the premiums are likely to go higher whereas many times, companies may totally reject the application if the health conditions seem to unstable or alarming.

• Maintain a healthy weight: This is important for your heart health and you can learn more about obesity and overweight.
• Include physical activity, gradually: Movement of the body, like regular running, can help you lower your risk factors for many illnesses, especially heart diseases.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet: Eating healthy food is critical and essential to achieve good health. Going for natural foods instead of fast-foods made with artificial colours and additives is a good way to kick-start this health journey.
• Get acquainted with your heart health numbers: Tracking your health statistics can help you meet your health goals and let you keep it in control. BMI calculator helps in this. Keep a weighing scale at home and regularly check your weight. There shouldn’t be sudden changes. In case you notice something awry, the best thing would be to consult your physician.

• No Male-Female Division:

A common disadvantage of BMI is that it doesnt take into account whether the person in question is a male or a female. Its basic science that males and females have different levels of body fat necessary for optimum condition of their physical and mental working.

• No Difference Between Muscle and Fat

When calculating BMI, ones height and weight are considered. It cannot distinguish between the body fat and body muscle leading to not-so-correct calculations. A person who does weight training and has a high-protein diet is going to have more muscles than fat. But BMI calculation cannot cut down the muscle-content from fat resulting in a high BMI of that person.

• BMI limitation for Children

A childs body is on an ongoing curve. Their BMI can fluctuate significantly because of continuing changes in their height as well as weight. An active child falling low on BMI but it will show them to be underweight, giving a false indication of poor health. 

Apart from these, BMI does not consider the role played by ones ethnicity and race on their height and weight. Asians generally have up to 5% more body fat than Caucasians. Similarly, Africans and Afro-Americans touch the height bars higher as compared to Asians and Caucasians. BMI does not take into account these facts.

The risk of diabetes is highest in Asians, followed by African-Americans and Caucasians. This is totally disregarded in the BMI calculations, thus giving half-baked health indicators.