What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple screening tool that uses your height and weight to estimate body fat and assess if you may be at increased risk for weight-related health conditions.

A Convenient but Limited Tool

While BMI is convenient and widely used in healthcare settings, it may not be accurate for athletes, very muscular individuals, pregnant women, or older adults who have lost muscle mass. It’s important to understand that it’s just one of many health indicators.

Understanding BMI Results

A higher BMI may suggest increased risk for certain conditions like diabetes and heart disease, but it doesn’t directly diagnose these conditions or guarantee you will develop them.

Part of Your Health Journey

Think of BMI as a starting point for conversations with your healthcare provider, who can evaluate your overall health using additional factors like family history, lifestyle, and other health measurements.

Want to Learn More?

Read our guide on the health numbers for Asian Americans with diabetes.

Check Your BMI Today

Ready to calculate your BMI? Use our calculator below, which follows World Health Organization’s recommended guidelines for Asian populations. Remember, this is just a starting point for understanding your health better.