How to Calculate BMI

BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is defined by a formula that tracks the relationship of height and weight . It is used by health professionals to evaluate if someone is underweight, a healthy size, overweight or obese.http://www.webmd.com/diet/tc/obesity-overview Learn how to calculate BMI so that you can know if you are in the healthy range.

• People who are very muscular will have a higher BMI although they are not overweight. Body Mass Index can't differentiate muscle from fat.http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/risk.htm#limitations

• Likewise, an elderly person may have a lower than normal BMI because of their lack of muscle.http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/lose_wt/risk.htm#limitations

• Obesity carries with it a host of negative health risks such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, stroke, incontinence and osteoarthritis.http://www.webmd.com/diet/tc/obesity-health-risks-of-obesity

• If you'd like to add a BMI calculator to your web site, go to calculatorcat.com for the code.

• Interactive BMI Calculator

• Body Mass Index Chart

The information on this page is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. It is provided for information purposes only. Consult your private physician concerning anything medical.

Finding your BMI is extremely simple to do once you collect the proper data. You can either use the standard Body Mass Index Chart or calculate it yourself using a formula. For the most accurate results possible, you'll need to use reliable and current measurements for your height and weight.

You can either visit your physician to obtain your weight and height or do it yourself. Just make sure that the scale you use is in good working condition. Then, ask a friend or family member to use a measuring tape to get your height.

Formula Method:

• If you are using the English system, use the following formula:
• BMI = Weight(lb) / (Height(in) x Height(in)) x 703

• Example: Katie is 5' 4" tall and weighs 160 lbs.
• Convert height into inches: (feet x 12) + inches
• New Height Calculation: (5 x 12) + 4 = 64
• Body Mass Index: 160 / (64 x 64) = 0.0390625 x 703 = 27.5

If you are using the Metric system, use the following formula:

• BMI = Weight(kg) / Height(m) x Height(m)

• Example: Chris is 1.5 m tall and weighs 85 kgs.
• Body Mass Index: 85 / (1.5 x 1.5) = 85/2.25 = 37.8

Chart Method:

• To use the chart method, you will have to view this Body Mass Index Chart.

1. Find your height on the left of the chart.
2. On that row, look for your weight.
3. The number at the top of the intersection column is your BMI.

• Example: Tonya is 5' 1" tall and weighs 111 lbs.
• Body Mass Index: 21

Now, you just need to compare your result to the list below. Using the previous example of Katie, Chris and Tonya, Katie is overweight while Chris is obese. Yet, Tonya's weight is normal.

• Less than 18.5: underweight
• 18.5 to 24.9: healthy
• 25 to 29.9: overweight
• 30 or above: obese