Calculate your body mass index

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a simple calculation based on your height and weight. It helps estimate whether your weight falls within a general range for your height. Healthcare providers may use it as a starting point when discussing your health, but it is not a diagnosis on its own.

For adults, the standard BMI ranges are:

Underweight: Below 18.5
Healthy range: 18.5 to 24.9
Overweight: 25 to 29.9
Obesity: 30 or higher

These ranges are based on commonly used Health Canada and World Health Organization reference standards.

A BMI outside the healthy range does not automatically mean something is wrong. It may simply be a sign that your weight and overall health are worth discussing with a healthcare provider. Other factors, such as your activity level, family history, and general health, also matter.

BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.

For pounds and inches, multiply your weight by 703, then divide that number by your height in inches squared.

BMI does not account for everything. Muscle mass, bone density, age, sex, ethnicity, and overall body composition can all influence what a healthy result looks like for each person. That is why BMI is best viewed as one part of a broader health picture.

If your BMI and health history suggest that weight management support may be appropriate, a licensed Canadian healthcare provider can review your information and discuss your options. If treatment is clinically appropriate, they may recommend a personalized care plan.