Learn how Vinora calculates BMI, protein, calorie and healthy-weight estimates — including formulas, assumptions, sources and limitations.
Last reviewed: August 2026
Vinora's health calculators combine authoritative reference values and scientifically validated formulas. We explicitly distinguish three types of content:
All results are estimates for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice. See the disclaimer at the bottom of each tool.
Tier 1
Australian Government / NHMRC
Highest priority. Eat For Health, Australian Dietary Guidelines, Dept of Health.
Tier 2
International Authorities
WHO, CDC, NIH, FAO, peer-reviewed scientific literature.
Tier 3
Formulas / Secondary
Validated formulas (Mifflin-St Jeor) used as methodology support only.
Rounded to 1 decimal place. Height input: cm (automatically converted to m). Weight input: kg.
Applies to adults aged 18 and over. Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
| Category | BMI |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5–24.9 |
| Overweight | 25.0–29.9 |
| Obese (Class I) | 30.0–34.9 |
| Obese (Class II) | 35.0–39.9 |
| Obese (Class III) | ≥ 40.0 |
Asian populations carry higher body fat at equivalent BMI values. The China standard uses lower thresholds for overweight and obesity.
| Category | BMI |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Healthy weight | 18.5–23.9 |
| Overweight | 24.0–27.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 28.0 |
BMI is a screening measure, not a diagnostic tool.
BMI does not directly measure:
Athletes with high muscle mass may have elevated BMI without poor health. Older adults may have normal BMI but high body fat. This tool is for adults aged 18 and over only.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement ↗Last reviewed: 2023
Important distinction
This tool shows two distinct values: ① Australian/New Zealand NRV Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) from official reference values; ② Vinora personalised estimate based on Vinora's calculation method. They mean different things.
Source: Eat For Health (NHMRC). The following are adult daily protein Recommended Dietary Intakes (RDI).
| Population | RDI (g/day) | RDI (g/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Men 19–70 | 64 g | 0.84 g/kg |
| Men 71–70+ | 81 g | 1.07 g/kg |
| Women 19–70 | 46 g | 0.75 g/kg |
| Women 71–70+ | 57 g | 0.94 g/kg |
The following are Vinora's calculation assumptions. They do not represent Australian Government or any official recommendation.
Eat For Health (National Health and Medical Research Council)
Nutrient Reference Values — Protein ↗Last reviewed: 2017
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Australian Dietary Guidelines ↗Last reviewed: 2013
Uses the Mifflin-St Jeor equation (1990), one of the most widely cited methods for BMR estimation.
The following activity multipliers are Vinora calculation assumptions. They are not published standards of any official authority.
| Activity level | Multiplier | Description |
|---|---|---|
| sedentary | 1.2 | Little or no exercise |
| light | 1.375 | Light exercise 1–3 days/week |
| moderate | 1.55 | Moderate exercise 3–5 days/week |
| active | 1.725 | Hard exercise 6–7 days/week |
| veryActive | 1.9 | Very hard exercise or physical job |
The −500 kcal deficit and +300 kcal surplus are Vinora modelling assumptions, not Australian Government-prescribed targets.
Australian official energy reference values typically use kJ. This tool displays both kcal and kJ.
Eat For Health (National Health and Medical Research Council)
Nutrient Reference Values — Energy ↗Last reviewed: 2017
Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST et al.
A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1990. ↗Derived from the adult healthy BMI range of 18.5–24.9. Source: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
Results rounded to 1 decimal place.
This calculator provides a population-level BMI-based reference range, not an individual's medically optimal weight. Results may not apply for:
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement ↗Last reviewed: 2023
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement ↗Last reviewed: 2023
Eat For Health (National Health and Medical Research Council)
Nutrient Reference Values — Protein ↗Last reviewed: 2017
Eat For Health (National Health and Medical Research Council)
Nutrient Reference Values — Energy ↗Last reviewed: 2017
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)
Australian Dietary Guidelines ↗Last reviewed: 2013
Mifflin MD, St Jeor ST et al.
A new predictive equation for resting energy expenditure in healthy individuals. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1990. ↗