Body Mass Index is used to estimate your total amount of fat.
This calculator is designed for men and women over the age of 18.
A healthy BMI for an adult is between 20 and 25. For older Australians over the age of 74 years, your general health may be more important than being mildly overweight. Some researchers have suggested that a BMI range of 22-26 is acceptable for older Australians.
What your BMI means
Once you have measured your BMI, you can determine your healthy weight range. If your BMI is:
- Under 18 - you are very underweight and possibly malnourished.
- Under 20 - you are underweight and could afford to gain a little weight.
- 20 to 25 - you have a healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults.
- 26 to 30 - you are overweight
- Over 30 - you are obese.
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Some exceptions to the rule
BMI does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. This means there are some exceptions to the BMI guidelines.
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For more information on BMI and body image see the following Better Health Channel fact sheets:
> Body Mass Index (BMI)
> Body image for men and women
> Body image issues for men
> Body image issues for women
> Weight loss - common misconceptions
