Understanding Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a standardized screening metric recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Health Service (NHS). It categorizes an adult's weight in relation to their height to assess potential health risks associated with underweight, overweight, and obesity.
| BMI Range |
Category |
Health Implication |
| < 18.5 |
Underweight |
Higher risk of nutritional deficiency and osteoporosis. |
| 18.5 – 24.9 |
Normal Weight |
Optimal balance; lowest statistical risk for cardiovascular diseases. |
| 25.0 – 29.9 |
Overweight |
Slightly increased risk of hypertension and type-2 diabetes. |
| 30.0 & Above |
Obese |
Elevated cardiovascular, joint, and metabolic risk factors. |
How Are Calorie Requirements Calculated?
Our tool implements the Mifflin-St Jeor Equation, recognized by nutritional scientists as the most reliable formula for predicting Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR):
Once your resting metabolic rate is identified, it is multiplied by your physical activity multiplier to determine your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). Creating a sustainable daily deficit of 500 kcal below your TDEE results in approximately 0.5 kg (1 lb) of fat loss per week without extreme starvation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
Your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) is the number of calories your body burns at complete rest just to keep essential organs functioning (brain, heart, lungs). Your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure) accounts for both your BMR and the calories burned through daily physical activity, exercise, and digestion.
Why does BMI not differentiate between muscle and fat?
BMI relies strictly on height and total weight. Highly athletic individuals or bodybuilders with substantial muscle mass may register as "Overweight" on the BMI scale despite having very low body fat. While BMI is a reliable population guide, pairing it with body fat percentage provides a more complete health picture.
How many calories should I eat to lose weight safely?
A safe and medically recommended weight loss rate is 0.5 kg (1 lb) per week, achieved by maintaining a 500 kcal daily deficit below your TDEE. Health authorities caution against dropping below 1,200 calories per day for women or 1,500 calories for men without direct medical supervision.
Is my personal health data saved on your servers?
No. FitCalc operates 100% inside your local web browser using JavaScript. No names, ages, heights, or weights are ever sent to, recorded, or stored on any remote web server.