BMI Calculator

Body Mass Index

24.2 Normal weight
BMI Prime: 0.97
24.2
<18.5
18.5-25
25-30
>30
Underweight
Normal weight
Overweight
Obese

BMI Weight Loss Calculator

Use our BMI Calculator to find your current BMI, and check the Healthy BMI Guide to set your target.

How to Use the BMI Weight Loss Calculator

Our BMI weight loss calculator helps you plan your weight loss journey by calculating how much weight you need to lose to reach your target BMI. Here's how to use it:

Setting Your Weight Loss Goal

  1. Enter your current height and weight in the calculator
  2. Your current BMI will be calculated automatically
  3. Set your target BMI (typically 18.5-24.9 for healthy range)
  4. The calculator will show you how much weight you need to lose

Understanding Target BMI

Your target BMI should be within the healthy range of 18.5-24.9. If you're currently overweight or obese, aim for the upper end of the normal range (around 22-24) as an initial goal. You can always adjust your target as you progress.

💡 Tip

Start with a realistic target. If you have a lot of weight to lose, break it down into smaller goals. For example, aim to lose 5-10% of your current weight first, then reassess.

Understanding Your Weight Loss Goal

Current vs Target BMI

Understanding the difference between your current BMI and target BMI helps you set realistic expectations. The larger the gap, the more weight you'll need to lose, but remember that even small reductions in BMI can have significant health benefits.

Weight Loss Amount Needed

Once you know your target BMI, you can calculate exactly how much weight you need to lose. For example, if you're 180 cm tall and currently weigh 90 kg (BMI 27.8), you'd need to lose approximately 10-15 kg to reach a healthy BMI of 22-24.

Example: A person who is 170 cm tall and weighs 80 kg (BMI 27.7) needs to lose approximately 8-12 kg to reach a healthy BMI range of 22-24.

Calculating Calories for Weight Loss

Calorie Deficit Calculation

To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. This means consuming fewer calories than your body burns. A deficit of 500-1000 calories per day typically results in 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) of weight loss per week.

Daily Calorie Needs

Your daily calorie needs depend on several factors including your age, gender, height, weight, and activity level. To lose weight, you'll need to consume fewer calories than your maintenance level. Our calculator helps you determine the right calorie intake for your weight loss goals.

⚠️ Important

Never go below 1,200 calories per day for women or 1,500 calories per day for men without medical supervision. Extreme calorie restriction can be dangerous and counterproductive.

Safe Weight Loss Rate

Recommended Weight Loss Speed

Health experts recommend losing weight at a rate of 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) per week. This rate is:

  • Safe for your health
  • Sustainable long-term
  • More likely to result in permanent weight loss
  • Less likely to cause muscle loss

Health Considerations

Rapid weight loss (more than 1 kg per week) can lead to:

  • Muscle loss instead of fat loss
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Gallstones
  • Metabolic slowdown
  • Weight regain (yo-yo effect)

BMI and Weight Loss Planning

Setting Realistic Goals

When planning your weight loss journey, it's important to set realistic, achievable goals. Use BMI as a guide, but also consider:

  • Your overall health and fitness level
  • Your lifestyle and schedule
  • Your motivation and support system
  • Any medical conditions or medications

Tracking Progress

While BMI is a useful tool for tracking weight loss progress, it's not the only metric. Also consider:

  • Waist circumference measurements
  • Body fat percentage
  • How your clothes fit
  • Energy levels and overall well-being
  • Strength and fitness improvements

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight do I need to lose to reach a healthy BMI?

The amount of weight you need to lose depends on your current BMI and target BMI. Use our calculator to input your current height and weight, then set your target BMI (typically 18.5-24.9 for healthy range). The calculator will show you exactly how much weight you need to lose.

How long will it take to reach my target BMI?

The time to reach your target BMI depends on your current weight, target weight, and rate of weight loss. A safe rate is 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) per week. Our calculator estimates the timeline based on a safe weight loss rate.

What is a safe rate of weight loss?

A safe and sustainable rate of weight loss is 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) per week. This equates to a calorie deficit of 500-1000 calories per day. Faster weight loss can be unhealthy and difficult to maintain.

How many calories should I eat to lose weight?

To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. Generally, reducing your daily calorie intake by 500-1000 calories will result in 0.5-1 kg (1-2 lbs) of weight loss per week. Use our calculator to determine your specific calorie needs based on your target BMI.

Can I use BMI to track weight loss progress?

Yes, BMI can be a useful tool to track weight loss progress, especially for significant weight changes. However, it's also helpful to track other metrics like waist circumference, body fat percentage, and how you feel overall.

Medical Disclaimer

Important: BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. It provides an estimate of body fat based on height and weight but does not directly measure body fat percentage, muscle mass, bone density, or overall health.

BMI should not be used as the sole indicator of health. Many factors influence health beyond BMI, including:

  • Body composition (muscle vs. fat)
  • Waist circumference and body fat distribution
  • Physical fitness and activity levels
  • Medical history and family history
  • Blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
  • Lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, sleep, stress)

This calculator provides educational information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized health guidance, especially if you have concerns about your weight or health status.

BMI Calculator

Body Mass Index

24.2 Normal weight
BMI Prime: 0.97
24.2
<18.5
18.5-25
25-30
>30
Underweight
Normal weight
Overweight
Obese