Overweight Calculator

Degree Of Overweight And Obesity Determination With BMI

Any individual who surpasses the specific weight range for his height is considered overweight. Adults with a BMI over or equal to 25 are considered overweight, and those with a BMI above or equal to 30 are obese (1).

BMI or Body Mass Index is the principal screening tool used to check whether a person is within the specific weight range or has crossed it. The standards for determining BMI have been set following the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey outputs in 1991.

You can use this interactive online overweight calculator to understand whether you are overweight or fat. By entering your age, gender, height, and weight in the tool you can calculate whether your weight is normal or not.

Note that BMI may not show accurate results for athletes, muscular people, or someone who is physically active. Since muscles and bones are denser than body fat, they might have a higher BMI.

Difference Between Being Obese And Overweight

Being overweight can be described as having a higher body weight than the normal range for one’s height, sex, and build. On the other hand, obesity is a chronic condition marked by excess body fat (adipose tissue) deposition.

An overweight calculator helps to find out whether you are obese or overweight. By referring to the overweight chart, you can learn more about your physical condition and risks and make changes in your diet and lifestyle to prevent sliding into the obesity category. About 34% of the US population is obese and is at risk of other health conditions, which is alarming (2), (3).

How To Identify If You Are Obese Or Overweight

Measuring the BMI can help you find whether you are overweight or obese.

To measure your Body Mass Index, divide your weight (in kilograms) by the square of your height in meters. Here is what the BMI may indicate:

BMI less than 18.5 = Underweight
BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 = Normal
BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 = Overweight
30.0 or higher = Obese

Obesity is further categorized under three ranges:

• Class 1: BMI 30 to 34.9
• Class 2: BMI 35 to 39.9
• Class 3: BMI is 40 or higher

Note: Class 3 obesity is considered a severe or extreme stage of obesity.

BMI Interpretation Using The Overweight Calculator

BMI is a screening tool and cannot diagnose body fat and related health conditions. After thorough health checkups, a physician can assess an individual’s health risks. The overweight calculator provides insights to help you determine if it is the right time to initiate changes before it is too late. The following table gives you an idea of the weight status and BMI ranges for a person who is 5’9” tall (4):

The BMI tool is used to determine body weight at the community level. But the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) determines how evenly body fat is distributed by comparing a person’s waist circumference to their height (5). However, you can use this overweight tool and chart to check your BMI status for self-evaluation. Visit a physician if you are overweight or obese to understand the location of your body fat and other associated health risks. Follow the doctor’s recommendations and work with them to reduce weight and lead a healthy lifestyle.