Your weight is less than it ideally should be. See your doctor or health professional and discuss whether you may need to aim at gaining weight. They can help you think of small, practical changes you feel comfortable with to achieve a healthy weight.
You may weigh less than you ideally should. Unless you’re naturally very slim, you may need to consider ways of gaining weight to bring your BMI to between 20 and 25. If you do feel you need to put on some weight, it is still important to eat a healthy diet. Exercise can help too.
Your BMI is currently within what is considered a healthy weight range. Being a healthy weight has important benefits as it can help reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and a range of other conditions.
Your weight appears to be a bit above the ideal range. You might like to talk to your doctor about whether you need to set yourself a new target for a healthy weight. If you are at all concerned or have any health problems, check with your doctor before you start any new exercise programs or eating plans.
You currently weigh more than is ideal. This puts your health at risk and is of increasing concern, particularly as you get older. Talk to your doctor about your BMI and discuss an appropriate and healthy weight for you.
Weight: You have entered a number outside the available range 30kg - 250kg / 66.15lb - 551.25lb.
Height: You have entered a number outside the available range 91cm - 250cm / 3ft 0in- 8ft 2in.
BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared.
Enter your measurements and click ‘calculate’ for your body mass index.
If your BMI is above or below the normal range but you consider yourself to be of normal and healthy weight for your height, chat with your doctor about any potential health concerns.
This calculator has been reviewed by Bupa health professionals and is based on reputable sources of medical research. It is not a diagnostic tool and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional medical or other professional health advice.
Why is this important?
Being a healthy weight means not being under or overweight. A BMI of 20-25 is considered healthy for most adults. However, BMI can be an inaccurate measure of healthy weight for pregnant women, children, older people, athletes or very muscular people. It may also need to be adjusted for some ethnic groups, including people of Asian, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Being underweight may be associated with lack of some vitamins and minerals that can affect important body functions, such as your immune response to infection and fertility or it can lead to a multitude of health issues from heart disease to bone problems.
Being overweight or obese can lead to a multitude of health issues from heart disease, bone and joint problems as well as increase your risk of some cancers, sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes.
Putting on weight and trying to lose weight can be hard. Don’t be disheartened or de-motivated if progress is slow. It’s important to decide on small, practical changes that you feel comfortable with and that you’ll be able to stick to. It's helpful to get support from family or friends when you’re trying to change your weight.
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