What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common method for assessing weight status for adults. BMI is calculated using a person’s height and weight. Although it is not a direct measure of body fat, BMI is a reliable indicator of body composition for most people. Calculating a person’s BMI is inexpensive and easy to do. However, common BMI calculators are not appropriate for people with limb loss. These tools do not account for the estimated weight of the missing limb(s) for people with limb loss.

The Amputee Coalition and members of our Scientific and Medical Advisory Committee (SciMAC) created our BMI Calculator for People with Limb Loss to provide the limb loss community with an easy-to-use tool to assess their weight status. Until now, such tools have not been readily available to the limb loss community. Like the general population, being overweight or obese can negatively impact the health and well-being of amputees. We hope our tool will allow amputees to assess their weight status and take appropriate steps to achieve a healthy weight.