Your Body mass Index (BMI)

Because people have different body frames, weight alone is often not the most reliable indicator of health. Sports scientists combine weight and height into a Body Mass Index (BMI), to gain a better picture of fitness.

Your BMI is automatically measured when you take the core skills tests instore. Check the table below to discover whether your BMI lies within a normal range.

Principal range (kg/m²) Additional range (kg/m²)
Underweight <18.50
Severe thinness <16.00
Moderate thinness 16.00 — 16.99
Mild thinness 17.00 — 18.49
Normal range 18.50 — 24.99 18.50 — 22.99
23.00 - 24.99
Overweight >25.00
Pre-obese 25.00 — 29.99 25.00 — 27.49
25.00 — 27.49
Obese >30.00
Obese class I 30.00 — 34-99 30.00 — 32.49
32.50 — 34.99
Obese class II 35.00 — 39.99 35.00 — 37.49
37.50 — 39.99
Obese class III >40.00

FOOTBALL VS RUNNING

Definitions of what is a ‘normal’ BMI range have to be considered in the light of the varying levels of strength needed in different sports. For example, a footballer needs well developed muscles whereas a runner does not. This means a footballer will have a higher percentage of muscle to fat tissue than a runner. Because muscles have a 12% higher specific mass than fat (due to the fact that muscles are 80% water), then a footballer will tend to have a disproportionately higher BMI than a runner.

Men vs women

There is also a gender disparity with regard to BMI. Women tend to have 20% less muscle than men together with more fat. This means their BMI will tend to be lower. It’s important to bear this in mind when conducting BMI assessments for men and women.

Direct yourself: football