Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used metric by doctors and fitness experts to categorize weight classes. However, it is also one of the most debated. In this post, we explain what BMI is, how to calculate it, and why it is not a perfect measure of health.
The Math of BMI
BMI is a simple relationship between your weight and height. The formula is: BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)². It gives a quick benchmark categorized into Underweight, Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obese.
Limitations of BMI
Because BMI only takes weight and height into account, it doesn't distinguish between muscle mass and fat. An athlete with low body fat and high muscle mass might be classified as "overweight" or "obese" under the standard BMI scale. Therefore, body composition is crucial.
Other Metrics to Track
For a complete picture, pair your BMI measurements with metrics like Body Fat Percentage, Waist-to-Height Ratio, and overall cardiovascular health indicators.
