How do you calculate BMI in men?
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is an indicator used to assess whether our weight is considered healthy in relation to our height. It is obtained by dividing our weight in kilograms by the square of our height in meters. The BMI is then interpreted according to categories: underweight (thin), normal (healthy weight), overweight and obese. It’s a simple tool that gives a general idea of our body composition, even if it doesn’t provide a precise measurement.
Calculate your BMI
BMI results for men and interpretation
Click here for a table showing the different BMI levels:
Age | Underweight | Normal weight | Overweight | Obesity | Morbid obesity |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
18-24 years | ≤20 | 20-25 | 25-30 | 30-40 | >40 |
25-34 years | ≤21 | 21-26 | 26-31 | 31-41 | >41 |
35-44 years | ≤22 | 22-27 | 27-32 | 32-42 | >42 |
45-54 years | ≤23 | 23-28 | 28-33 | 33-43 | >43 |
55-64 years | ≤24 | 24-29 | 29-34 | 34-44 | >44 |
65+ years | ≤25 | 25-30 | 30-35 | 30-35 | >44 |
- Underweight: this is when your body weight is less than the normal weight for your height and weight, known as “underweight”;
- Normal weight: this is the ideal weight, the right balance between overweight and underweight;
- Overweight: you’re considered overweight when you exceed the normal weight BMI, in which case there are health risks;
- Obesity: when the BMI indicates obesity, the health risk is very real, and can lead to difficulties and/or illness in everyday life;
- Morbid obesity: this last level of BMI presents major health risks. As its name suggests, this stage is fatal, with serious complications.
BMI below normal
When a person weighs less than is considered normal for their height and physical build, it’s called underweight. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a rapid metabolism, underlying health problems, eating disorders or digestive problems. A body mass index (BMI) of less than 18.5 is generally considered a sign of underweight. The consequences of being underweight can include weakened immunity, excessive fatigue, muscle weakness, skin problems, hormonal imbalances…
BMI above normal
Overweight occurs when someone weighs more than is considered normal for their height and physical build. This means that the person exceeds the recommended weight limit for their height. A body mass index (BMI) of over 25 is generally considered a sign of overweight.
There are various reasons why a person may be overweight, including an imbalance between caloric intake (the amount of calories consumed) and energy expenditure (the amount of calories burned through physical activity and basal metabolic rate), genetic predisposition, poor eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal disorders or the use of certain medications.
Being overweight can increase the risk of developing various illnesses, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers and joint problems.
Calculating BMI for men
Men and women differ when it comes to weight. On average, body fat accounts for around 25% of total body mass in girls, compared with 10-15% in boys. The male metabolism, which is naturally more muscular, consumes more energy. As a result, men tend to gain less weight and lose weight more quickly and easily (lucky them). This means that two people, a man and a woman, with the same BMI, can have different physical characteristics and a distinct state of health, so a woman’s BMI calculation is not different in the numbers but in the physical point of view. It would therefore be necessary to review the BMI thresholds according to gender in order to make this index more relevant.
Men are often (but not always) taller than women, and have greater muscle mass. As a result, they naturally weigh more, especially as muscle mass is heavier than fat mass.
Warning : BMI is an approximate indicator, and a more precise analysis is required to know and distinguish between body mass and muscle mass, which are therefore confused in overall body weight.
For example, an athlete may have a BMI classified as “obese”, whereas weight is essentially counted in muscle!