BMI (Body Mass Index) for Athletes

The Body Mass Index BMI calculator , or BMI, shows the ratio between height and weight. The result is used to assess whether a person is classified as normal weight, overweight, or underweight.

What is the importance of BMI?

Calculating BMI ^​1​ is a very good and quick way to determine which category the current nutritional status falls into. The calculation is based on age and gender, and there are different methods for calculation.

Since only two analysis values are used to calculate the BMI , the results can sometimes differ slightly. Neither body fat mass nor muscle mass are included. Thus, with the standard BMI tables, professional athletes or endurance athletes are often misclassified. Learn more about the history of BMI.

Why are professional athletes classified as overweight?

Are you one of those people who are very muscular and have a lot of muscle mass? If so, it may be that your BMI value is considered too high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), you could be classified as overweight. Why is this the case and what does it mean?

Our body is composed of 60 to 80% water. This water is stored in the muscles, fat, and bones. Not to mention, our blood contains the largest amount of water. Our blood plasma consists of 90 to 95% water. The muscles comprise about 75% water, and body fat contains approximately 25% water. Consequently, muscles are denser than fat, which is one of the reasons why the BMI faces criticism.

The weight distribution is crucial

The ratio between intracellular water (stored in muscles) and extracellular water (related to water retention and stored in body fat) should be balanced. Ideally, the latter should be less present, as this indicates no health concerns.

In general, it is better to measure several factors, meaning you should capture more body data. The more you measure, the better and more accurately you can monitor your own transformation.

Why are healthy athletes considered underweight according to BMI?

Endurance athletes or bodybuilders may also fall outside the normal BMI tables. In this respect, alternative standards must be established. In these disciplines, better results can primarily be achieved with lower body weight.

Therefore, a low BMI is not considered a significant risk for someone with low body weight and a high level of physical fitness. The BMI value does not necessarily have to be regarded as critical.

Using BMI as motivation for sport

Many view the BMI value as motivation for sports. Anyone who is not a professional athlete can take the results seriously and achieve a better value through physical activity. This allows individuals to improve not only their physical appearance but also their overall health.

In addition to the Body Mass Index, you can also calculate your waist-to-height ratio. This is a great alternative to BMI. The waist-to-hip ratio results from your waist circumference (in cm) divided by your height (in cm). By calculating the waist-to-hip ratio, you can assess the ratio between body fat quantity and distribution to body size.

How can I calculate my BMI?

The formula is quite simple: body weight (in kg) divided by height (in m). There are different methods for adults, older individuals, and children & adolescents. With the Verival BMI calculator, you can have your BMI calculated and immediately see which category you fall into.

This will indicate whether you are in a healthy or critical range. According to the DGE (German Nutrition Society), the normal value for adult women (BMI calculator for women) is between 19 and 24 kg/m². For men, it is between 20 and 25 kg/m². The classification includes underweight (which encompasses severe, moderate, and mild underweight), normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Obesity is classified into three grades.

Do you still want to calculate your BMI? Follow the link!