Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index is a simple way to understand your body weight is normal or not. This is calculated by using the formula

BMI = kg/m2

where kg is a person’s weight in kilograms and m2 is their height in metres squared.

Underweight: Your BMI is less than 18.5

Healthy weight: Your BMI is 18.5 to 24.9

Overweight: Your BMI is 25 to 29.9

Obese: Your BMI is 30 or higher

However, BMI does not include the measurement of Body Fat Percentage, there can be a possibility that a person who has a high BMI, does not mean he is fat. For example, a body builder can have a BMI more than 30, this is because his muscle rate is high.

Please note the Body Mass Index Chart is not suitable for children under 18 and pregnant women.

source: Centre for Health Protection, Department of Health