With the help of the BMI calculator , you can quickly determine whether you are at your ideal weight. However, the BMI value must not be overstated.
This is only a guideline. Therefore, the individual body composition of each person should be taken into account.
For example, it makes a difference whether the body weight is made up of fat or muscle mass. In addition, ideal weight is not the same as ideal weight. Chubby people can certainly have health benefits and have a longer life expectancy than lightweight people.
In this post, we will show you how to best interpret your BMI value and when the result is not meaningful. In addition, we will inform you about a healthy ideal weight and how to achieve this feel-good weight for you.
What exactly does the Body Mass Index say?
The Body Mass Index is a key figure that puts your body weight in relation to your height. Based on this result, you can see whether you are moving in the ideal range or if you are a few kilos too much on your hips.
Wondering if you're overweight? Or if your children are underweight? The BMI calculator gives you a quick answer to this question. In addition, the result can be used to draw conclusions about your dietary habits or your general fitness level.
According to the BMI, when do we speak of an ideal weight?

The BMI table is determined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Most doctors use this classification for the definition of underweight or overweight.
According to the WHO, BMI values between 18.5 and 24.9 are classified as normal weight and thus as ideal weight. People with a body mass index below this range suffer from underweight. BMI values above 25 are called overweight and anything above 30 is classified as obesity.
The information is intended as a guide for adults. However, calculating the body mass index can also make sense for children. The BMI calculator for children helps you to correctly interpret the result.
When is the BMI not meaningful?
The BMI is an orientation value. For an accurate assessment of the healthy ideal weight, an accurate evaluation of the body composition is required. Because our body weight is largely composed of water, fat and muscle mass.
A high body weight can thus also be achieved with a low fat content and high muscle mass. In addition, endurance athletes can be classified in the underweight range and still be completely healthy and fit.
The following list shows classic situations in which the body mass index is not considered meaningful:
- Strength athletes have a high muscle mass. This can lead to a high BMI and an incorrect classification as overweight.
- Water accumulations, e.g. in edema, have a wrong effect on BMI.
- People with a broad physique have a higher BMI without a high fat content.
- Endurance athletes such as runners can have a BMI in the underweight range and still be top fit.
- In the case of particularly large or small people, the significance of the Body Mass Index is limited.
What is the “healthiest ideal weight”?
A healthy ideal weight is a weight that you feel comfortable with. The information from the BMI calculator only provides us with indicative values. Estimate which area is ideal for you individually.
In general, our metabolism changes with age. This has a major influence on the fat content and thus also on the body mass index. If you move in the ideal range according to the BMI table, this is excellent. However, BMI values outside the recommended ideal weight are also healthy.
A recent study even shows that chubby people have a longer life expectancy. Accordingly, people with a BMI value between 25 and 29 are healthy 1 . The reason may be the existing fat reserves, which allow faster recovery after surgery or illness.
Belly feeling instead of body mass index
Your body mass index gives you an indication of your body weight in relation to your height. However, it is important that you listen to your own body. Trust your gut feeling when it comes to a healthy ideal weight.
Are you uncomfortable with your weight? Changing your eating habits can lead to the desired change. Healthy weight loss helps to improve your quality of life in the long term.
A hot breakfast with porridge or oatmeal can already change many things for the better. A healthy meal in the morning covers all the important nutrients. In addition, the high fiber content of oatmeal keeps you full for a long time.
Try our porridge products and find your ideal weight through a healthy diet. You can find recipe ideas for a hot breakfast or helpful facts for healthy weight loss in our blog posts.
Do you already know the calorie calculator from VERIVAL? This allows you to calculate your daily calorie requirement and can help you lose weight.

How to easily & quickly calculate your BMI value
Do you want to calculate your BMI? With our BMI calculator, you can quickly calculate your body mass index.
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1.Hauner H. Overweight. German Medical Journal Online. Published online October 2, 2009. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2009.0639