BMI Calculator for Men
Muscle mass, body fat percentage and waist circumference – how to correctly interpret your BMI as a man.
Men and Muscle Mass – When BMI Is Misleading
BMI is particularly prone to misinterpretation in men, as men on average have more muscle mass than women. A muscular man with little body fat can be classified as overweight according to BMI, even though he is in excellent health. Professional bodybuilders or rugby players often have a BMI of 28–32 with very low body fat. BMI systematically overestimates overweight in muscular men.
Healthy BMI for Men: 18.5–24.9
The general guideline of 18.5–24.9 applies to men as well, but the healthy body fat range for men is 14–25%. Active men with regular strength training can have a very healthy body fat percentage of under 20% at a BMI of 25–27. More important than BMI alone is the combination of BMI, waist circumference and activity level.
Waist Circumference More Relevant Than BMI for Men
For men, waist circumference is a particularly meaningful health indicator. A waist circumference above 94 cm in men indicates an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders. Above 102 cm is considered high risk. This value – regardless of BMI – is a more direct measure of health-damaging visceral abdominal fat.
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