Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist measurement can give you an idea about your health risks.
The BMI and waist circumference cutoffs used in the calculators below are relevant to people of European descent aged 18 to 65 years. Cutoffs for other ethnic groups, older adults, people with a physical disability, people with high muscle mass (e.g. body builders) and pregnant people may be different.
BMI
Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a calculation of your weight compared to your height. It’s a quick and simple tool to estimate body fat. While BMI doesn’t specifically measure body fat, studies have shown a link between higher BMI and higher body fat at a population level.
A valid height is needed to calculate your BMI
A valid weight is needed to calculate your BMI
Waist circumference
Another simple measure you can use is waist circumference. Waist circumference is better at estimating the amount of fat around your organs. This is the fat that is linked to higher health risks. You can read more about why over here.
A valid waist measurement is needed to calculate your risk
Please make a selection to calculate risk based on waist measurement
Please note that the cutoffs used in these calculators are most accurate for people of European descent aged 18-65 years. Different cutoffs may apply to other ethnic groups, older adults, people with a physical disability, people with high muscle mass (e.g. body builders) and pregnant people. Talk to your doctor about other ways to measure your health risk.
What if my BMI and waist measurement are telling me different things?
Take action
At the end of the day, the most important thing to focus on is the factors we have some control over like eating well and being active.
There are lots of things that we can do to help our bodies run smoothly, boost our mental health and reduce our long-term risk of disease. Are you interested in learning more and taking action? Choose an area to focus on to get started!
