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Calculators
What is Body Mass Index?
Body mass index (BMI) is determined by your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres, squared.
It's designed for men and women between the ages of 18 and 65 years. A healthy BMI score is between 18.5 and 26. A score below 18.5 indicates you may be underweight; a value above 25 for a NZ European or 26 for a Maori or Pacific Islander indicates you may be overweight.
BMI has limitations for determining whether your weight is ideal or not (eg, it cannot distinguish between lean muscle and body fat). If you have concerns about your weight you should mention it the next time you visit your doctor.
Calculate your body mass index (BMI) |
height: metre and cm: weight (kg): CLICK HERE TO CALCULATE YOUR BMI Your current BMI is: |
| BMI result | Underweight | Healthy | Overweight | Obese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ European | Less than 18.5 | 18.5 to 25 | 25 to 30 | Greater than 30 |
| Maori/Pacific Islanders | Less than 18.5 | 18.5 to 26 | 26 to 32 | Greater than 32 |
Waist circumference should ideally be less than 90cm for women and less than 100cm for men.
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