Calculate your Body Mass Index and understand what it means for your health as a Nigerian adult. BMI is a useful screening tool for underweight, healthy weight, overweight, and obesity.
Enter your height and weight to calculate your Body Mass Index and understand what it means for your health.
| BMI Range | Category | Health risk |
|---|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight | Nutritional deficiency, anaemia risk |
| 18.5 – 24.9 | Normal weight | Lowest risk |
| 25.0 – 29.9 | Overweight | Increased cardiovascular risk |
| 30.0 – 34.9 | Obese class I | High risk — diabetes, hypertension |
| 35.0 – 39.9 | Obese class II | Very high risk |
| 40 and above | Obese class III | Severe risk — medical intervention |
BMI (Body Mass Index) is calculated as weight (kg) divided by height (m) squared. It is a useful screening tool for population-level health assessment — correlating with body fat percentage and risk of weight-related conditions.
BMI was developed using predominantly European populations. Research suggests that Black African adults may carry greater cardiovascular risk at lower BMI values than the standard thresholds suggest — meaning a BMI of 23–24 in a Nigerian adult may carry more cardiometabolic risk than the same BMI in a European adult.
Waist circumference is a better predictor of cardiovascular risk in Nigerians than BMI alone. Risk increases significantly above 94cm (men) and 80cm (women). At Mascot Healthcare, we measure both BMI and waist circumference in all health checks.
A muscular athlete may have a high BMI without excess fat. Conversely, a slim person with central abdominal fat may have a normal BMI despite significant metabolic risk. BMI is a screening tool — not a diagnosis. A clinical assessment at Mascot Healthcare provides the complete picture.
BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol at Mascot Healthcare, Akoka.