Use our body mass index (BMI) calculator to determine how healthy your current weight is relative to your height. If you’re concerned about your results, contact our bariatric surgery experts for a consultation as soon as possible.
Calculate Your BMI
What Does My Result Mean?
| BMI Range | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 24.9 | Normal weight |
| 25.0 29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 34.9 | Class I Obesity |
| 35.0 39.9 | Class II Obesity |
| 40.0 49.9 | Class III Obesity |
| 50.0 59.9 | Class IV Obesity |
| 60.0 and above | Class V Obesity |
What is BMI?
First developed in 1972, BMI is a factor used to determine an individual’s risk of disease. Our Australia BMI calculator follows World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines specifically adapted for Australian demographics. While it alone doesn’t accurately measure risk, it’s used along with other metrics for a clearer picture. The higher the figure, the higher the estimated amount of body fat in the person’s body. High body fat is linked to problems like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Would you like to calculate your BMI? Simply enter your height and weight into the BodyFree Calculator. This Australian BMI calculator will use this information to give you a calculated result. This trusted body mass index calculator will divide your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in centimetres) squared.
What Affects BMI?
Weight influences BMI because it fluctuates more than height. As such, the same factors that lead to overweight and obesity can also impact one’s BMI.
Unhealthy Diet
Eating a diet high in fat and processed sugar can quickly lead to weight gain. These foods also have very little nutritional value.
Not Physically Active
A lack of physical activity and exercise will lead to less fat burning in the body and an increase in fat stores. Excess fat in the body can lead to numerous health problems including heart disease.
Genetic Factors
A person’s genes can affect the way their body digests food, processes nutrients, and stores calories. In fact, more studies are showing that obesity may be genetic.
Medication Side Effects
Certain medications may cause weight gain. These medications may be used to treat mental health conditions, diabetes or other conditions.
Not Enough Sleep
Many Australians don’t get adequate sleep, causing an imbalance in the hormones that regulate appetite. This increases the likelihood of snacking resulting in increased calories consumed.
Lifestyle Factors
A busy high-stress lifestyle often results in poor food choices that contribute to weight gain. A diet low in healthy nutrients is often the result, leading to increased consumption of convenient store-bought or fast food options over healthier home-cooked meals.
Obesity Fast Facts
31.7%
65-74
15.3%
72.4%
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
How Do I Get A Healthy BMI?
Healthy Diet
Eat a well-rounded healthy diet and avoid skipping meals.
Daily Exercise
Spend 30 minutes per day on exercise
Quality Sleep
Get seven to nine hours of sleep daily
Moderation
Indulge in treats but in moderation
Avoid Harmful Substances
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Medical Support
Consider bariatric surgery as a tool to help you change your eating habits and provide long-term health and weight benefits.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
Our expert team provides the support and guidance needed for weight loss success and improved health. Speak with BodyFree’s health professionals to learn how we can help you achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
For all its advantages, BMI doesn’t paint the full picture of one’s health. BMI results estimate the amount of body fat but not the type of fat or whether or not the body weight consists of fat at all. In the latter case, bone and muscle contribute to body weight as much as fat does. It is important to consider other health matters without BMI being the only consideration.
Aging induces sweeping changes in the body, especially its composition. Bone and muscle mass degrades as you get older, which limits your ability to stay physically active. The body makes up for this by redistributing its visceral fat reserves, which sadly increases with age.
As per the NHRMC guidelines, bariatric surgery is advisable for patients with a BMI of 30 or more. Bariatric surgery for the underweight people is extremely rare, normally reserved for patients with major obesity-related complications.