Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), Ideal Weight Range, Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) using our comprehensive Medscape Weight Calculator. This tool helps you understand key health metrics related to your weight and energy needs.
Health Metric Calculator
Enter your age in years.
Male
Female
Other/Prefer not to say
Select your gender for BMR calculation.
Enter your height in centimeters (cm).
Enter your current weight in kilograms (kg).
Sedentary (little or no exercise)
Lightly active (light exercise/sports 1-3 days/week)
Moderately active (moderate exercise/sports 3-5 days/week)
Very active (hard exercise/sports 6-7 days a week)
Extra active (very hard exercise/sports & physical job or 2x training)
Choose the option that best describes your daily activity.
Your Health Metrics Summary
Body Mass Index (BMI)—
Ideal Weight Range (kg)—
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)—
Calories burned at rest.
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)—
Calories burned daily based on activity level.
Formula Explanation:
BMI is calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). BMR uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation, and TDEE is BMR multiplied by an activity factor. Ideal weight range is estimated based on healthy BMI values (18.5-24.9).
Health Metrics Overview
BMI vs. Weight and TDEE Trend
Medscape Weight Calculator – Key Metrics
Metric
Value
Unit
Category/Interpretation
BMI
—
Ideal Weight (Lower Bound)
—
kg
Ideal Weight (Upper Bound)
—
kg
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
—
kcal/day
Calories burned at rest
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE)
—
kcal/day
Total daily calories burned
What is the Medscape Weight Calculator?
The Medscape Weight Calculator is a specialized online tool designed to help individuals assess their current weight status and understand their body's energy requirements. It goes beyond a simple weight check, providing key health indicators such as Body Mass Index (BMI), an estimated ideal weight range, Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), and Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). This Medscape weight calculator is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to manage their weight, improve their understanding of nutritional needs, or simply gain insights into their overall health profile.
Who should use it?
Anyone concerned about their weight, seeking to lose, gain, or maintain weight, athletes, individuals starting a fitness program, or those curious about their metabolic rate should find this Medscape weight calculator useful. It's a starting point for informed health decisions, not a diagnostic tool.
Common Misconceptions:
A common misconception is that BMI is a direct measure of body fat or health. While BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution. Similarly, BMR and TDEE are estimates and can vary based on individual physiology. This Medscape weight calculator provides these estimates, but consulting healthcare professionals is crucial for personalized advice.
Medscape Weight Calculator Formula and Mathematical Explanation
Our Medscape weight calculator employs well-established formulas to provide accurate estimations. The core metrics are BMI, Ideal Weight Range, BMR, and TDEE.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculation
BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It's calculated using the following formula:
BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)]²
For practical input, if height is provided in centimeters, it must first be converted to meters (e.g., 175 cm = 1.75 m).
Ideal Weight Range Estimation
The ideal weight range is typically derived from the BMI categories. Healthy BMI is generally considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. The calculator estimates a weight range that falls within these healthy BMI parameters for the user's height.
Lower Bound (kg) = 18.5 * [Height (m)]²
Upper Bound (kg) = 24.9 * [Height (m)]²
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Calculation
BMR represents the number of calories your body needs to perform basic life-sustaining functions at rest. The Medscape weight calculator uses the widely accepted Mifflin-St Jeor equation, which is considered more accurate than older formulas for most individuals.
For Men: BMR = (10 * Weight in kg) + (6.25 * Height in cm) – (5 * Age in years) + 5
For Women: BMR = (10 * Weight in kg) + (6.25 * Height in cm) – (5 * Age in years) – 161
Note: The gender multiplier (+5 for males, -161 for females) is applied based on the selected gender.
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Calculation
TDEE accounts for your BMR plus the calories burned through physical activity and the thermic effect of food. It's calculated by multiplying the BMR by an activity factor.
TDEE = BMR * Activity Factor
The activity factors used in this Medscape weight calculator are standard multipliers corresponding to different levels of physical activity.
Variables Table
Variables Used in Calculations
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Age
User's age
Years
1 – 120
Gender
Biological sex
N/A
Male, Female, Other
Height
User's height
cm / m
30 cm – 272 cm
Weight
User's current weight
kg
1 kg – 1000 kg
Activity Factor
Multiplier for daily energy expenditure based on lifestyle
Multiplier (e.g., 1.2 – 1.9)
1.2 (Sedentary) to 1.9 (Extra Active)
BMI
Body Mass Index
kg/m²
18.5 – 24.9 (Healthy Range)
BMR
Basal Metabolic Rate
kcal/day
Varies widely based on inputs
TDEE
Total Daily Energy Expenditure
kcal/day
Varies widely based on inputs
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Weight Loss Goal
Scenario: Sarah is a 30-year-old female, 165 cm tall, weighing 75 kg. She works an office job and exercises lightly 2-3 times a week. She wants to understand her current metrics and set a target for weight loss.
Inputs:
Age: 30
Gender: Female
Height: 165 cm
Weight: 75 kg
Activity Level: Lightly active (1.375)
Calculated Results (using the Medscape weight calculator):
BMI: 27.5 (Overweight)
Ideal Weight Range: 53.9 kg – 72.7 kg
BMR: 1442 kcal/day
TDEE: 1983 kcal/day
Interpretation: Sarah's current BMI indicates she is in the overweight category. Her ideal weight range suggests she could aim to lose between 2.3 kg and 21.1 kg to reach a healthier weight. Her TDEE of approximately 1983 kcal/day represents her estimated daily calorie needs. To lose weight, she would need to consume fewer calories than her TDEE, perhaps aiming for a daily intake around 1500-1600 kcal, while maintaining her light activity. This Medscape weight calculator helps frame her goals.
Example 2: Muscle Gain Goal
Scenario: Mark is a 25-year-old male, 180 cm tall, weighing 70 kg. He is actively training 5-6 days a week in the gym and wants to gain muscle mass.
Inputs:
Age: 25
Gender: Male
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Activity Level: Moderately active (1.55)
Calculated Results (using the Medscape weight calculator):
BMI: 21.6 (Healthy Weight)
Ideal Weight Range: 60.1 kg – 80.7 kg
BMR: 1661 kcal/day
TDEE: 2575 kcal/day
Interpretation: Mark is within a healthy BMI range. His TDEE is approximately 2575 kcal/day. To gain muscle, he needs to consume more calories than his TDEE (a calorie surplus) and ensure adequate protein intake. He might aim for a daily intake of around 2800-3000 kcal, coupled with a progressive strength training program. The Medscape weight calculator provides a baseline TDEE for his calorie surplus planning. Understanding his BMR and TDEE is crucial for effective muscle gain strategies.
How to Use This Medscape Weight Calculator
Using the Medscape weight calculator is straightforward and designed for quick, informative results. Follow these simple steps:
Enter Age: Input your current age in years.
Select Gender: Choose your gender from the dropdown menu. This impacts the BMR calculation.
Enter Height: Provide your height in centimeters (cm). Ensure accuracy for precise calculations.
Enter Weight: Input your current weight in kilograms (kg).
Select Activity Level: Choose the option that best reflects your typical daily physical activity. This ranges from sedentary to extra active.
Click 'Calculate Metrics': Once all fields are filled, press the calculate button.
How to Read Results:
The calculator will display your calculated BMI, an estimated ideal weight range, your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR), and your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE).
BMI: Indicates your weight category (underweight, healthy, overweight, obese).
Ideal Weight Range: Shows the weight range associated with a healthy BMI for your height.
BMR: The calories your body burns at complete rest.
TDEE: Your estimated total daily calorie needs, factoring in your BMR and activity level.
Decision-Making Guidance:
Use these results as a guide. If your BMI is outside the healthy range, consider consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to discuss weight management strategies. Your TDEE can inform your calorie intake for weight loss (consuming less than TDEE), weight gain (consuming more than TDEE), or weight maintenance (consuming approximately TDEE). Remember that this Medscape weight calculator provides estimates, and individual needs may vary. The 'Copy Results' button is useful for sharing or documenting your metrics.
Key Factors That Affect Medscape Weight Calculator Results
While the Medscape weight calculator uses standard formulas, several factors can influence the accuracy of its results and an individual's actual metabolic needs. Understanding these nuances is key to interpreting the output effectively:
Body Composition (Muscle vs. Fat): BMI does not differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass. A very muscular individual might have a high BMI but low body fat. This calculator provides a general guideline, but body composition analysis (like body fat percentage) offers a more complete picture.
Age: Metabolic rate generally decreases with age. The BMR formula accounts for age, but individual metabolic slowdown can vary. This Medscape weight calculator uses a standardized approach.
Genetics: Inherited traits play a significant role in metabolism, body shape, and predisposition to weight gain or difficulty losing weight. These individual genetic factors are not captured by the calculator.
Hormonal Factors: Conditions like thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can dramatically affect metabolism and weight. The calculator assumes normal hormonal function.
Activity Level Nuances: The activity multipliers are broad categories. Two people categorized as "moderately active" might have different actual daily energy expenditures based on the intensity and type of their exercise and daily movement.
Dietary Thermogenesis: While TDEE calculations include a general estimate for the thermic effect of food (TEF), the specific macronutrient composition of the diet (e.g., high protein diets have a higher TEF) can slightly alter total daily calorie expenditure.
Hydration and Sleep: While not directly in the formulas, adequate hydration and quality sleep are crucial for optimal metabolic function and can indirectly influence weight management efforts.
Medications: Certain medications can affect metabolism, appetite, and weight. If you are on medication, consult your doctor about its potential impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the most accurate way to measure weight?
For accuracy, weigh yourself at the same time of day, preferably in the morning after using the restroom and before eating or drinking. Use a reliable, calibrated scale. While this Medscape weight calculator uses kg, ensure your scale is set to the correct unit.
Is BMI a reliable indicator of health?
BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic measure. It's useful for identifying potential weight categories but doesn't account for body composition (muscle vs. fat). For a complete health assessment, consider body fat percentage, waist circumference, blood pressure, and other clinical measures.
Can the calculator predict weight loss results?
The calculator provides estimates like TDEE, which can guide calorie intake for weight loss. However, actual weight loss depends on consistent adherence to a calorie deficit, exercise, metabolic individuality, and other lifestyle factors. This Medscape weight calculator is a planning tool.
Why does my BMR seem low/high?
BMR varies significantly based on age, sex, height, weight, and genetics. Younger individuals, those with more muscle mass, and males generally have higher BMRs. The Mifflin-St Jeor equation used by this Medscape weight calculator is a standardized estimate.
How often should I update my weight and metrics?
If you are actively trying to lose or gain weight, or if your activity level changes significantly, it's beneficial to recalculate your metrics every few weeks or months. For general health monitoring, recalculating annually or when making significant lifestyle changes is often sufficient.
What is the difference between BMR and TDEE?
BMR is the energy your body burns at complete rest (like sleeping). TDEE is your total daily energy expenditure, which includes your BMR plus the calories burned through all daily activities, from walking to exercising. TDEE is a more realistic measure of your daily calorie needs.
Are there specific calorie targets for different genders?
Yes, the BMR calculation incorporates gender-specific formulas (different baseline adjustments for males and females). TDEE further adjusts based on activity level. Generally, males tend to have higher BMRs and TDEEs due to typically higher muscle mass and body size, but individual variations are significant.
Can this Medscape weight calculator be used for children?
This calculator is designed for adults. Pediatric weight and metabolic calculations require different formulas and considerations due to growth and development. Always consult a pediatrician for children's health metrics.