About this calculator: This tool calculates body mass index (BMI) and checks waist circumference using thresholds commonly applied to white European adults. It gives a clearer view of weight range and health risk linked to fat stored around the abdomen.

BMI alone does not tell the whole story. It compares weight with height but cannot distinguish muscle from fat, so an athletic person may have a high BMI without having excess body fat. Someone can also have a BMI in the healthy range while carrying more fat around the waist. This may still be linked to higher health risk.

Using waist circumference together with BMI gives a better picture of abdominal fat. A larger waist can be associated with a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Even when BMI is in the healthy range, a high waist measurement may still be worth paying attention to.

Checking both values is more useful than looking at BMI alone.