BMI Calculator
Body mass index is one of the most common ways to screen for weight categories. Enter your height and weight — we'll show your BMI, what category it falls into, and what it might mean for your options going forward.
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Your BMI
25.8
Your BMI puts you in a range where GLP-1 medications are commonly indicated. A licensed Pallas provider can review your health history and let you know if you qualify — it takes about 2 minutes.
See if you qualifyUnderstanding your BMI
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It's useful for identifying weight categories that may be associated with health risk, but it doesn't measure body fat directly and doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or where your body stores fat. Use it as a starting point — your provider will consider the fuller picture.
BMI ranges and what they mean
BMI and GLP-1 eligibility
GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide are typically indicated for adults with a BMI of 30+, or 27+ with at least one weight-related comorbidity (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease). In clinical trials these medications produced average total body weight loss of 15–20% at 12 months when combined with diet and exercise. A licensed Pallas provider reviews your health history and confirms eligibility as part of the intake.
Limitations of BMI
- Does not distinguish muscle from fat — athletes often register as overweight.
- Doesn't measure where fat is stored (visceral fat is the bigger health risk).
- Less accurate for older adults and pregnant people.
- Uses cutoffs developed primarily from European populations; may not apply equally across all ethnic groups.
For a fuller metabolic picture, combine BMI with waist circumference, body composition, blood pressure, and fasting glucose — all things your provider will review.
Frequently asked questions
What is BMI and how is it calculated?+
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple ratio of weight to height, calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). It's used as a screening tool to categorize weight — not as a diagnostic measure of body fatness or health on its own.
What are the BMI categories?+
The World Health Organization defines: underweight (below 18.5), healthy weight (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9), Class I obesity (30–34.9), Class II obesity (35–39.9), and Class III obesity (40+).
Is BMI accurate for everyone?+
BMI is a population-level screening tool and has well-known limitations. It does not distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes can register as 'overweight' while having low body fat. It is also less accurate for older adults, pregnant people, and some ethnic groups. Waist circumference, body fat percentage, and metabolic markers provide a fuller picture.
At what BMI are GLP-1 medications prescribed?+
FDA labeling for weight-loss GLP-1 medications (such as Wegovy and Zepbound) indicates them for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes. Your provider reviews your full health history to make this determination.
Can I lower my BMI without medication?+
Yes. Sustained weight loss through nutrition, activity, sleep, and stress management can lower BMI. Clinical trials show lifestyle interventions typically produce 3–5% body weight loss on average over a year. GLP-1 medications in the same trials produce 15–20% when combined with those same interventions.