What Is BMI? Calculation, Categories, and Limitations

Overview

This guide explains BMI in clear, practical terms. It covers the key concepts, recommended steps, common limitations, and useful checks so you can make a better-informed decision.

BMI is an index that helps you determine whether your current body condition is normal, obese or malnourished. Based on this index, we can make a plan to lose weight or supplement appropriate nutrition to have a healthy body.

What Is BMI?

BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight, applicable to adult men and women (except pregnant women, athletes and the elderly).

The BMI index is used to assess whether a person is obese, malnourished or at ideal weight.

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. BMI is also known as body mass index.

The BMI index was first proposed by a Belgian scientist in 1832.

Standard formula for calculating BMI

The formula for calculating BMI is based only on a person's height and weight:

BMI = Cân n?ng / [(Chi?u cao)2]

• Weight in kg.
• Height in m.

What Is the normal BMI?

Based on the classification table of the Asian Diabetes Association (IDI & WPRO) applied to Asians below, from the BMI index we can know the level of fatness of a person. Accordingly, the ideal BMI index of Vietnamese people is from 18.5 to 22.9.

In addition, we can rely on height to quickly calculate our ideal weight, maximum allowable weight, and minimum weight according to the following formula:

Ideal weight = [Odd number of height (cm) x 9]/ 10

Maximum weight = Odd number of height (cm)

Minimum weight = [Odd number of height (cm) x 8] / 10

For example:

• A person with height 1.7m = 170cm:
• That person's ideal weight: (70 x 9): 10 = 63kg.
• Maximum weight of that person: 70kg.
• Minimum weight of that person: (70 x 8):10 = 56kg.

Standard BMI table for infants from 0-12 months old

Boy

Baby girl

Standard BMI table for children from 6-10 years old

Boy

Baby girl

Standard BMI table for children over 10 years old

Boy

Baby girl

M?t trong nh?ng ?i?u quan tr?ng nh?t là b?n ph?i kiên trì theo ch? ?? và bài t?p ?ã ??t ra.

Ch? s? WHtR

• Vòng eo c?a ng??i ph? n? lý t??ng là không quá 87 cm.
• Còn vòng b?ng lý t??ng c?a nam gi?i là không quá 101,6 cm.

Ch? s? WHR

WHR = [Vòng eo (cm)] / [ Vòng mông (cm)]

• Vòng eo: ?o ? ngang r?n.
• Vòng mông: ?o ngang qua ?i?m phình to nh?t c?a mông.

Key Takeaways

Use the guidance above as a practical reference for what is the BMI for obesity. Check compatibility, follow the steps carefully, and verify important details with official documentation when software, security, accounts, health, or purchases are involved.