Looking down on a loch with heather in the foreground and hills in the background

Body Mass Index

You can calculate your Body Mass Index using the following equation:

BMI =      Weight in Kg

                (Height in Metres) 2

This gives you your BMI score.

A healthy BMI is considered to be between 20 and 25.

A BMI of above 25 is considered overweight and a BMI of under 20 is considered underweight. You should aim to keep your BMI between 20 and 25 for good health.

Or, Click here for a link to a BMI calculator!

Notes:

  • This is general advice for adults only - it doesn't apply to children.
  • When you work out your BMI, remember to take into account your body frame and your build - your BMI may not be accurate. For example, your BMI may not be accurate if you're a weight-trainer, an athlete, or if you're pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Your BMI may not be accurate if you're over the age of 60. This is because your bones may begin to weigh less as you get older.
  • If you have a long-term health condition, talk to your GP before starting any programme aimed at weight change.
  • Talk to your GP if you have noticeably lost, or gained, weight recently for no known reason.

External resources

Self-help documents

Related sections