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Body mass index is a useful guide in assessing the physical risk and physical recovery of adults. The BMI of young people should only be assessed using the correct 'centile' charts as the fact that their bodies are not fully developed needs to be taken in account.
BMI is calculated by taking your weight (in kilos) and dividing it by your height (in metres) squared.
For an adult, a healthy BMI will be in the region of BMI 20 to 25. The risk of developing anorexia rises significantly under BMI 18. At the other end of the scale the complications of obesity will begin at about BMI 27 and become a significant risk at BMI 30.
An eating disorder cannot be diagnosed by BMI alone, there are other factors that need to be considered such as a persons relationship with food, the way that they feel emotionally and their behaviour - it cannot assess a persons mental health e.g those suffering from Bulimia often have a healthy BMI but their health is still at risk and they need help and support.
Below is a BMI calculator which can give you a general idea of your BMI. It is important to remember that BMI is not 100% accurate as it does not assess your overall health or mental health or your body shape and build. It is also not appropriate to be used for athletes as their training means that their muscle definition is different to non athletes.
If you have concerns surrounding food, your weight or body shape it is important to speak to a health professional such as your G.P. who can assess your overall health.
