BMI calculator

What is BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index: a measure that relates your weight to your height. You calculate it by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres. The result gives a first indication of whether your weight falls within a healthy range, which is why doctors and health organisations worldwide use it, including the Voedingscentrum (the Netherlands Nutrition Centre).

BMI categories for adults

Classification for adults aged 18 to 70. Different thresholds apply to children, older people and pregnant women.

What your BMI does, and does not, tell you

Your BMI is a good starting point, but not the whole story. The index does not distinguish between muscle and fat: a muscular person can have a high BMI without carrying too much body fat. Where the fat sits matters too: belly fat is a greater health risk than fat on the hips. So see your BMI as a first signal, not a diagnosis. A doctor always looks more broadly: at your waist circumference, your health and your personal situation.

BMI of 30 or higher? Medical weight loss can be an option

With a BMI of 30 or higher, doctors speak of obesity. Losing weight on your own often turns out to be difficult: your body works against you with hunger and satiety signals, so diets and exercise are not always enough. Medically supervised weight loss can help in that situation. Whether a programme suits you is assessed by a BIG-registered doctor. Start with the free eligibility check or read more about medical weight loss with injections.