What is a Body Mass Index?
Your ideal weight depends on your age, height and build. Calculating your body mass index (BMI) will give you an indication of where you stand in the healthy weight range. The BMI is a calculation of your weight in relation to your height. This calculation can be used by adults between the ages of 20 and 65 years.
It is not a reliable test for children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding Your doctor can better assess your weight in relation to height in these circumstances.
If you are a serious / professional sports person your level of muscle mass vs. fat may be higher and therefore the BMI index may overestimate body fat because it does not differentiate between body fat and muscle mass. So it is recommended to use other tests such as the Skinfold test, that determines the percentage of your body that is fat mass. Your local fitness professional will be able to assist with this test.