Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist measurement can give you an idea about your health risks. These tools are only suitable for people over 18.
BMI
Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a quick and simple way to check if your weight is within a healthy range, based on your height. While BMI doesn’t specifically measure body fat, there is a moderate relationship between having a high BMI and a high level of body fat.
A valid height is needed to calculate your BMI
A valid weight is needed to calculate your BMI
Waist circumference
Another way to assess if you’re carrying extra weight is to measure your waist circumference. Waist circumference is better at measuring the amount of fat around your organs. This is the fat that is linked to higher health risks.
A valid waist measurement is needed to calculate your risk
Please make a selection to calculate risk based on waist measurement
Please note that BMI is less accurate for a number of groups of people, including people over 65, people with a physical disability, people with high muscle mass (e.g. body builders), pregnant people and people with Polynesian, Pacific Island, Aboriginal, South Asian, Chinese and Japanese heritage. Learn more about BMI here.
Your waist result
above 102 cm
High Risk
94 - 102 cm
At Risk
below 94 cm
Low Risk
What if my BMI and waist measurement are telling me different things?
This is relatively common. People come in all shapes and sizes. We recommend that you speak to your doctor about assessing your individual risk if you are concerned. They can do more comprehensive tests that give a better picture of your overall health. At the end of the day, the most important thing to focus on is the factors we have some control over like eating well and being active.
Take action
There are lots of things that we can do to help our bodies run smoothly, boost our mental health and reduce our long term risk of disease. Are you interested in learning more and taking action? Choose an area to focus on to get started!
