Calculate your BMI

BMI is a method that provides an estimate of your body mass. The calculation can give a general indication of whether you are in the risk zone for being overweight or underweight. Remember that BMI only gives a general picture and does not take into account the distribution of muscle mass or your body fat percentage. Therefore, you should see your BMI result as part of a larger evaluation of your health, rather than a complete assessment of your health status.

How is BMI calculated?

To calculate your BMI, you divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. The formula looks like this: your BMI = your weight in kg / (your height in meters)².

What does my BMI result indicate?

BMI does not give a detailed picture of you as a person or the exact distribution of your body mass. It is therefore important to understand that BMI has its limitations, which is why the use of BMI is often debated.

Although BMI can provide an overview of your body mass in relation to your height and serve as an indicator of potential health risks linked to being overweight or underweight, it does not take into account your body composition, such as muscle mass versus fat mass.

This means that if you are muscular, you can be considered overweight according to BMI, even if you have a low body fat percentage and are otherwise healthy. Likewise, you can have a "normal" BMI level but still have a high body fat percentage with associated health risks that BMI does not show. Therefore, it is important to see BMI as one of several tools in a larger health assessment.

Reference values and weight classes for BMI

A value below 18.5 indicates underweight, and it can be healthy to gain weight.

This range is considered healthy. The goal is to maintain a stable weight with the help of regular exercise, daily exercise and a balanced diet.

Being overweight can pose a moderate health risk, especially if your BMI is between 25 and 27. The risk of certain diseases increases with a BMI over 27. A healthy lifestyle and sometimes professional counseling can help you lose weight.

A BMI over 30 indicates an increased risk of disease. Physical activity and possible medical advice are important to reduce health risks. Hereditary factors may also play a role.