Limitations of BMI

BMI is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death.
The score is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits.

The limits are:

• It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
• It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.

Use the BMI calculator or tables to estimate your total body fat.

The BMI score means the following:

• Underweight   Below 18.5
• Normal   18.5 - 24.9
• Overweight   25.0 - 29.9
• Obesity  30.0 and Above