Published: October 11, 2011

Ideal Weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator

Most people want to be as close to the ideal weight as possible. If it weren't so, you wouldn't be reading this now... However, when it comes to defining ideal weight, things are not so clear. What some consider normal weight, others view as too fat or too thin... This is where science is really helpful.

Body Mass Index (BMI) and Mortality

The graph below shows very clearly how the risk of death through heart disease starts to climb at bmi levels at about 25, both in men and women. The same is true of many other chronic diseases.

Most people want to be as close to the ideal weight as possible. If it were not so, you would not be reading this now, isn't it? However, when it comes to define the ideal weight, things are not so clear. What some consider normal weight, others view as too fat or too thin... This is where science is really helpful.

Based on studies of large numbers of people of all ages and races, we have today several ways to assess people's weight. One of the most accurate and easy to use is the body mass index, or bmi.

What Iss The BMI?

The body mass index is simply a number, derived by using height and weight measurements (for adults over 20 years old, bmi is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared), that gives a general indication if weight falls within a healthy range. If your bmi is between 18.5 and 25, you are said to have a normal weight. If it's over 25, you are overweight, and over 30 we are talking about obesity.

How Do I Know What My Ideal Weight Is?

Usually an ideal body weight is equivalent to a bmi of about 22. If you have tried using bmi tables to figure out your ideal weight, you may know it can be quite confusing. That's why we decided to offer you this simple ideal weight and overweight calculator. You just have to enter your personal information, and you'll find out what your ideal weight is. Moreover, if you are overweight, it will tell you how many extra pounds you have.

To find out more about bmi, please visit this CDC page.

What If My BMI Is Over 25?

In most people, a bmi over 25 signifies overweight, and a bmi over 30 denotes obesity. There are some notable exceptions, though. If you are an athlete and have a lot of muscle mass, your bmi may be over 25, yet your body fat mass is not increased. As a matter of fact, your body fat percentage is likely to be significantly lower than in sedentary people.

It is important to remember that bmi does not measure body fat. This being said though, keep in mind that for the vast majority of people, bmi is a good indicator of their weight status. Together with other indicators, doctors use bmi to estimate a person's risk of developing many diseases, including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, etc.

How Can I Lose the Extra Weight?

We suggest you try our evidence-based weight loss program. Designed for long-term success, it provides you with unique self-monitoring tools, a diet log based on a comprehensive food database and an exercise plan that allows you to track how many calories you burn through exercise. It really is a natural weight loss program.

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