bmi calculator for women

the formula and the cut-offs are the same for women and men over 18. this page explains what is different in how the number is read.

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how to bmi calculator for women

  1. choose metric (kg and cm) or imperial (lb, feet and inches).
  2. enter your weight and height.
  3. read your bmi, category and the weight range that sits in the normal band for your height.
  4. optional: tick compare two scenarios to put a goal weight next to your current weight and see both on the chart.

the adult categories (under 18.5, 18.5 to 24.9, 25 to 29.9, 30 and above) are not adjusted for sex. what differs is body composition: at the same bmi, women on average carry more body fat and less muscle than men, so a normal bmi can still hide a high body-fat percentage and a bmi in the overweight range does not always mean excess fat.

life stages matter too. bmi is not meant for use during pregnancy, and weight and body composition shift with menopause and after childbirth. if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use guidance from your midwife or doctor, who track weight gain against your starting bmi instead.

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frequently asked questions

what is a healthy bmi for a woman?

18.5 to 24.9, the same as for men. for a woman who is 165 cm tall that is roughly 50 to 68 kg.

is bmi accurate for women?

it is a rough screen. it can over- or under-estimate body fat, especially for very muscular, very petite or older women. waist size and a health check give a clearer picture.

does this calculator work during pregnancy?

no. bmi should be taken before pregnancy, and weight in pregnancy is assessed against that starting value by your care team.

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