| Category | BMI Range | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 | 🔵 |
| Normal weight | 18.5 ~ 24.9 | 🟢 |
| Overweight | 25.0 ~ 29.9 | 🟡 |
| Obesity Class I | 30.0 ~ 34.9 | 🟠 |
| Obesity Class II | 35.0 ~ 39.9 | 🔴 |
| Obesity Class III | ≥ 40.0 | 🔴 |
BMI (Body Mass Index) is a standardized metric used to estimate total body fat based on a person's height and weight. It acts as a quick screening tool for weight categories that may lead to health problems, rather than a diagnostic tool for body fatness or health.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) provides these general guidelines for adults, BMI has limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat mass, meaning athletes or highly muscular individuals might score as "overweight" while maintaining a very low body fat percentage. It also doesn't consider age or gender-specific fat distribution.
Statistically, a BMI of 22 is often correlated with the lowest rates of morbidity and mortality in general population studies. This tool calculates the distance from your current weight to a theoretical weight that would yield a solid BMI of 22 for your specific height.