BMI Explained: A Starting Point, Not Your Whole Health Story
A single number cannot describe everything about your body.
What BMI can tell you
Body mass index uses weight and height to estimate a weight category. It is a screening tool that can help start a health discussion, rather than diagnose your health by itself.
Understand its limits
BMI cannot distinguish muscle from body fat. Someone with a lot of muscle may have a higher BMI without excess body fat. Waist measurement and personal background can add useful context.
Discuss the bigger picture
Ask a healthcare professional to consider your health conditions, medicines, activity and other measurements together. Adult BMI tools are not suitable for children or pregnancy, and specialist advice may be needed in other circumstances. Choose a realistic care plan instead of treating a category as a judgment.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked: 23 October 2026. General health information, not a diagnosis. Seek professional advice for your circumstances.
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