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About Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple and widely used index that relies on weight and height to classify adults into different weight categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese.

Our BMI calculator (intended for adults aged 20 and older) will help you not only determine your BMI category and index, but also estimate how much weight you need to drop to reach a healthy weight.

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
• Obesity: BMI 30 or greater

Understanding the Impact of Excess Weight on Your Body

Carrying extra weight is about more than just how your clothes fit, it significantly alters how your internal systems function. When your BMI moves into the Overweight or Obese categories, your body enters a state of chronic "metabolic stress" that affects nearly every organ.

The Strain on Your Vital Systems

The most immediate impact is often felt by the cardiovascular system. To supply blood to additional tissue, your heart must pump harder, which can lead to increased blood pressure and strain on arterial walls. Simultaneously, excess adipose tissue (fat) is metabolically active, releasing inflammatory chemicals that can interfere with how your body processes insulin, potentially leading to Type 2 Diabetes.

Beyond the Heart

The effects extend to your structural and respiratory health:

• Joint Health: Every extra pound adds roughly four pounds of pressure to your knees and hips, accelerating the wear and tear of cartilage.
• Respiratory Function: Excess weight around the chest and abdomen can restrict lung expansion, often manifesting as sleep apnea or persistent fatigue.
• Mental Well-being: The physiological inflammation caused by obesity has been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, creating a complex cycle between physical and mental health.

The good news is that the body is remarkably resilient. Even modest, sustainable weight reduction can significantly lower blood pressure and improve metabolic health, proving that small changes truly do yield the greatest long-term rewards.