BMI Calculator
Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) with athlete-specific interpretations. Get personalized health recommendations based on your BMI and activity level.
Understanding BMI for Athletes
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using height and weight to categorize weight status. While useful for general population screening, BMI has important limitations for athletes and highly active individuals.
BMI Categories
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5-24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25.0-29.9
- Obese: BMI 30.0 and above
BMI Limitations for Athletes
BMI doesn't distinguish between muscle and fat mass, which can lead to misclassification of athletic individuals:
- Muscular Athletes: May have high BMI due to muscle mass, not excess fat
- Endurance Athletes: Often have very low BMI, which may appear "underweight"
- Body Composition: BMI doesn't account for body fat percentage
Sport-Specific Considerations
- Distance Runners: Often have BMI 18-22, optimized for endurance
- Cyclists: Similar to runners, with emphasis on power-to-weight ratio
- Strength Athletes: May have BMI >25 due to muscle mass
- Team Sport Athletes: BMI varies by position and sport demands
Alternative Assessments
For athletes, consider these additional measurements:
- Body Fat Percentage: More accurate for body composition
- Waist Circumference: Indicator of abdominal fat
- Performance Metrics: Power-to-weight ratios
- Health Markers: Blood pressure, cholesterol, fitness tests
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