Amputee BMI Calculator

Calculate adjusted Body Mass Index (BMI) by accounting for missing limbs.

Calculate

Current Weight (kg)

Height (cm)

Amputations (select all that apply)

Upper Body Hand (0.7%) Forearm (1.6%) Upper Arm (2.7%) Entire Arm (5.0%)

Lower Body Foot (1.5%) Lower Leg / BKA (5.9%) Upper Leg / AKA (10.1%) Entire Leg (16.0%)

Percentages represent proportion of total body weight (Osterkamp, 1995).

About this Tool

Why adjust BMI for amputees?

Standard Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations assume a complete body. For individuals with limb amputations, the "observed" weight is lower than the weight of a non-amputee of the same height, leading to an artificially low BMI calculation. This calculator estimates what the individual's weight would be if the limb were present, allowing for a more accurate BMI assessment.

Formula

The estimated weight is calculated using the formula:

Estimated Weight = Observed Weight / (1 - % Amputated)

The percentages used are based on standard body segment weight proportions (Osterkamp, 1995):

Hand: 0.7%
Forearm: 1.6%
Entire Arm: 5.0%
Foot: 1.5%
Below Knee (BKA): 5.9%
Above Knee (AKA): 10.1%
Entire Leg: 16.0%

Clinical Relevance

Accurate BMI assessment is crucial for:

Medication Dosing: Many drugs are dosed by weight or body surface area (BSA).
Nutritional Assessment: Identifying malnutrition or obesity risks.
Cardiovascular Risk: Classifying obesity-related health risks.