Body Composition Analysis

Advanced BMI Calculator

A comprehensive tool for analyzing body composition based on international standards and research.

What is BMI?

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is an internationally recognized method to estimate body fat and assess potential health risks related to weight. Developed by Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet in the 1830s, it remains a valuable screening tool for healthcare professionals worldwide.

While BMI has limitations, particularly for athletes, elderly individuals, and certain ethnic groups, it provides a useful starting point for health assessment when used alongside other measurements.

BMI Formula

BMI = weight(kg) / height²(m)

BMI = 703 × weight(lb) / height²(in)

BMI is calculated by dividing weight by height squared. The World Health Organization established the standard BMI classifications: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (≥30).

Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Your BMI

24.5 kg/m²

Health Risk Assessment

Based on your BMI of 24.5, you have a low risk for weight-related health issues. Research shows that individuals with a BMI in the 18.5-24.9 range generally have lower risks for conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Personalized Insight

You're at a healthy weight according to standard BMI guidelines. Maintain your current habits with balanced nutrition and regular exercise. Focus on strength training, cardiovascular health, and maintaining lean muscle mass.

Body Composition Methodologies

WHO Standard BMI

The most widely used method globally, established by the World Health Organization. Standard BMI uses universal thresholds for all adult populations.

Underweight: <18.5

Normal: 18.5-24.9

Overweight: 25-29.9

Obese: ≥30

Source: World Health Organization

Asian BMI

Modified BMI thresholds for Asian populations, accounting for higher body fat percentages at lower BMI values compared to Western populations.

Underweight: <18.5

Normal: 18.5-22.9

Overweight: 23-24.9

Obese: ≥25

Source: WHO Expert Consultation

Body Fat Percentage

Estimates body fat percentage using the U.S. Navy method based on height, weight, and body measurements. More accurate than BMI for assessing body composition.

Men: Essential fat (2-5%), Athletic (6-13%), Fitness (14-17%), Average (18-24%), Obese (≥25%)

Women: Essential fat (10-13%), Athletic (14-20%), Fitness (21-24%), Average (25-31%), Obese (≥32%)

Source: American Council on Exercise

Waist-to-Height Ratio

Measures central fat distribution by comparing waist circumference to height. Better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than BMI alone.

Slim: <0.43

Healthy: 0.43-0.52

Overweight: 0.53-0.57

Very overweight: 0.58-0.62

Obese: ≥0.63

Source: British Journal of Nutrition

Limitations of BMI

What BMI Doesn't Measure

Body composition (muscle vs. fat distribution)
Central adiposity (visceral fat around organs)
Bone density or frame size
Fitness level or metabolic health

Special Populations

BMI may be less accurate for:

Athletes and bodybuilders (higher muscle mass)
Elderly individuals (muscle loss with aging)
Pregnant women
Children and adolescents (use age-specific percentiles)
Certain ethnic groups (different body compositions)

For a comprehensive health assessment, BMI should be used alongside other measurements like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and clinical evaluations by healthcare professionals.

Research & References

World Health Organization. "Obesity and Overweight Fact Sheet." WHO, 2021. Link
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "About Adult BMI." CDC, 2021. Link
WHO Expert Consultation. "Appropriate body-mass index for Asian populations and its implications for policy and intervention strategies." Lancet, 2004. Link
American Council on Exercise. "Percent Body Fat Calculator: Skinfold Method." ACE Fitness, 2021. Link
Browning LM, Hsieh SD, Ashwell M. "A systematic review of waist-to-height ratio as a screening tool for the prediction of cardiovascular disease and diabetes." Nutrition Research Reviews, 2010. Link
Gallagher D, et al. "Healthy percentage body fat ranges: an approach for developing guidelines based on body mass index." American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2000. Link
Nuttall FQ. "Body Mass Index: Obesity, BMI, and Health: A Critical Review." Nutrition Today, 2015. Link