#Body mass index calculator in kg and cm how to#

very muscular adults and athletes may be classed 'overweight' or 'obese' even though their body fat is low.

The adult BMI does not take into account age, gender or muscle mass. The BMI cannot tell the difference between excess fat, muscle or bone. Your BMI can tell you if you're carrying too much weight, but it cannot tell if you're carrying too much fat.

#Body mass index calculator in kg and cm how to#

Get tips on how to encourage your child to be more active and eat well Limitations of the BMI They may be able to refer you to your local healthy lifestyle programme for children, young people and families.įind out more in underweight children aged 6 to 12 and very overweight children. See a GP if you're concerned about your child's weight. Measuring waist size is not routinely recommended for children because it does not take their height into account. very overweight – 98th centile or aboveĪ child's BMI is expressed as a 'centile' to show how their BMI compares with children who took part in national surveys.įor example, a girl on the 75th centile is heavier than 75 out of 100 other girls her age.healthy weight – between the 2nd and 91st centiles.underweight – on the 2nd centile or below.The BMI calculator works out if a child or young person is: Overweight children are thought to be at increased risk of a variety of health conditions, and they're also more likely to be overweight as adults.

You're at very high risk and should contact a GP if your waist is:įor children and young people aged 2 to 18, the BMI calculator takes into account age and gender as well as height and weight. Regardless of your height or BMI, you should try to lose weight if your waist is:

Breathe out naturally before taking the measurement.

Wrap a tape measure around your waist midway between these points.

Find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips.You can have a healthy BMI and still have excess tummy fat, meaning you're still at risk of developing these conditions. Measuring your waist is a good way to check you're not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can raise your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groupsīlack, Asian and other minority ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing some long-term (chronic) conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. The best way to lose weight if you're obese is through a combination of diet and exercise, and, in some cases, medicines. The BMI calculator will give you a personal calorie allowance to help you achieve a healthy weight safely. The best way to lose weight if you're overweight is through a combination of diet and exercise. Keep up the good work! For tips on maintaining a healthy weight, check out the food and diet and fitness sections. If you're underweight, a GP can help.įind out more in underweight adults Healthy weight Understanding your BMI result Underweightīeing underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or you may be ill.