Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. It is advised to check your BMI index regularly and discuss irregularities or significant changes with your family doctors.

Note: BMI calculator provided by Gluxus is not intended for use for pregnant or lactating women, and, children (under 20).

To estimate BMI, locate the point on the chart where height and weight intersect. Read the number on the dashed line closest to this point. For example, if you weigh 69 kg and are 173 cm tall, you have a BMI of approximately 23, which is in Normal Weight.

Classification	BMI Category (kg/m2)	Risk of developing health problems
Underweight	Less than 18.5	Increased
Normal Weight	18.5 – 24.9	Least
Overweight	25.0 – 29.9	Increased
Obese Class I	30.0 – 34.9	High
Obese Class II	35.0 – 39.9	Very High
Obese Class III	>= 40.0	Extremely High

 Note: For persons 65 years and older the ‘normal’ range may begin slightly above BMI 18.5 and extend into the ‘overweight’ range.

To clarify risk for each individual, other factors such as lifestyle habits, fitness level, and presence or absence of other health risk conditions also need to be considered.

Source: Health Canada. Canadian Guidelines for Body Weight Classification in Adults. Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada; 2003.