Check your weight
Are you a healthy bodyweight?
The journey to better health can be easy and the following steps will put you on the path to good health. Let’s get started by seeing just how healthy you currently are by working out your Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Measurement - these calculations should be done in conjunction with each other as they provide a general assessment of your weight range.
Body Mass Index
Working out your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a quick way to check your health risk*. If you are aged between 18 and 64, use this calculator to check your BMI. Just enter your current weight (in kilograms) and height (in metres) then press calculate.
Your device does not support the calculator.
Use the following formula to calculate your BMI:
BMI = ( Weight in Kilograms / ( Height in Meters x Height in Meters ) )
Now use the chart below to see if your BMI is a health risk.
BMI Chart
BMI less than 18.5
Underweight
You have an increased risk of some serious health problems. Further weight loss could be dangerous and you may want to consider advice from your doctor or health professional about developing a healthy body weight management plan.
BMI 18.5-25
Healthy Bodyweight
You are on the right path. Continue being active for at least 30 minutes a day and choosing healthy food. The Eat Well and Be Active tips have suggestions to help you stay on the right track.
BMI 25-30
Overweight
Men in this BMI range, with a waist circumference of more than 94cm, or women in this BMI range, with a waist circumference of more than 80cm, are at increased risk of weight-related health problems such as heart disease and diabetes type 2. Be active for at least 30 minutes every day, and consider extra physical activity for weight loss. Choose a balanced diet to achieve a healthy bodyweight.
BMI 30-35
Obese
You need to consider changing your lifestyle as you are at much greater risk of health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer. Please consult your doctor or health professional about developing a healthy bodyweight management plan. Be active for at least 30 minutes every day, and consider extra physical activity for weight loss. Choose a balanced diet to achieve a healthy bodyweight.
BMI greater than 35
Severe Obesity
BMI greater than 35.You have a greatly increased risk of serious health problems. You should seek advice from your doctor about developing a long-term healthy bodyweight management plan.
Can you improve your health?
If you are overweight or obese, modest weight loss (5 to 10 per cent of your bodyweight) from eating well and being active can substantially improve your health through:
- Lower blood pressure;
- Lower blood fats (including cholesterol);
- Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; and
- Reduced risk of heart disease.
If you're concerned or unsure about your bodyweight or weight-related health risk, visit your doctor.
Important Information: For some population groups such as Maori and Pacific Island people, the healthy weight range is slightly higher. For other populations such as people of an Asian background, it can be slightly lower. Very muscular people such as bodybuilders may also fall into the overweight category without an increased health risk, because muscle is heavier than fat.
Last updated: 4 April, 2011