Here’s a handy BMI Calculator that you can use to quickly and easily work out your Body Mass Index and corresponding body weight classification.
Now remember, the Body Mass Index is most useful as a statistical tool. But it’s also a reasonable first guess as to how overweight you might be. Unless you have reason to believe that your muscle or bone mass is far from what the average is, it should be quite OK for this.
The body weight category that corresponds to your BMI gives you an idea of where you fit in in the scheme of things as far as your body weight goes.
You can also use it as an indication of how much risk you’re at for weight-related health issues.
Take a look at the table below (note that this is specifically for women):
| Classification | Risk of Weight-Related Health Issues | |
|---|---|---|
| Waistline <90cm | Waistline >90cm | |
| Severely Underweight | Increased - Ext. High | n/a |
| Underweight | - | n/a |
| Normal | - | - |
| Overweight | Increased | High |
| Obese - Class I | High | Very High |
| Obese - Class II | Very High | Very High |
| Obese - Class III | Extremely High | Extremely High |
Of course the most reliable and meaningful way to assess and monitor your body’s condition is through your Body Fat Percentage. This is something we recommend to all women who are in the process of losing weight.