Medical Disclaimer

1. What BMI is

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight, expressed as weight divided by height squared (kg/m²), or the equivalent using pounds and inches. It was developed as a population-level statistical tool, not as a diagnostic measure for individuals.

2. Known limitations of BMI

• Doesn't distinguish fat from muscle. Muscular individuals (including many athletes) may show a high BMI despite low body fat.
• Doesn't account for body composition. Bone density, fat distribution, and waist circumference all affect health risk and aren't captured by BMI.
• Doesn't adjust for age or sex. Body composition naturally changes with age, and typical body fat percentage differs by sex, at the same BMI.
• May not generalize across ethnic groups. Research suggests health-risk thresholds associated with a given BMI can vary by ethnicity.
• Not designed for children, pregnant people, or certain populations. Growth charts and other tools are more appropriate for children and adolescents; BMI is not intended for use during pregnancy.

3. Use this tool as a starting point, not a diagnosis

A BMI result — in any category — is not a diagnosis of a health condition, and does not by itself indicate whether an individual is "healthy" or "unhealthy." If you have questions about your weight, body composition, or overall health, the appropriate next step is a conversation with a doctor, registered dietitian, or other qualified healthcare professional who can consider your full medical history.

4. No doctor-patient relationship

Use of this Site or its calculator does not create a doctor-patient relationship, or any other professional relationship, between you and the operators of this Site.

5. In an emergency

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately. Do not rely on this Site for urgent or emergency health decisions.

6. Assumption of risk

Your use of this calculator and any decisions you make based on its output are entirely at your own discretion and risk. See our Terms of Use for the full limitation of liability.

7. Contact us

Questions about this disclaimer? Reach out via our Contact page.