BMI stands for body mass index. A BMI score is often used as a health screening tool. Medical professionals believe BMI is a reliable indicator of the measurement of body fat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The score can also help the medical profession screen individuals for weight categories that lead to certain diseases.
What is BMI?
BMI is determined by a person's body weight and height. It can be calculated for individuals of any age. However, the normal BMI measurements for children and teens are not comparable with those of adults. Although BMI does not measure body fat directly, it is a popular assessment of overweight and obesity, according to the CDC. It is also inexpensive and easy to determine.
How Do I Calculate BMI?
The formula for calculating BMI is weight (lb)/[height (in)]2 x 703. First, divide the weight in pounds (lbs) by body height in inches (in) squared. Then multiple that number by the conversion factor of 703, and you get your BMI score. For example, weight = 130 lbs and height is 5 feet 4 inches (64 inches). So the calculation would be [130/(64)2] x 703 = 22. The easy way to determine BMI is to go online and find a BMI calculator. Simply type in your weight in pounds and your height in feet/inches and let the BMI calculator do the work for you. Everydayhealth.com has a BMI calculator.
How Do I Interpret My BMI Score?
You can interpret your BMI score by using the standard weight status categories, says the CDC. These categories are the same for adult men and women, but are different for teenagers and children. A score below 18.5 is considered underweight. A score between 18.5 to 24.9 is normal. A score between 25 to 29.9 is classified as overweight. A score of 30 or above is obese.
How Do I Use My BMI Score?
Now that you know what weight category you're in, it's time to assess your risk for disease. According to the CDC, some of the health consequences associated with being overweight or obese include hypertension, high or low cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, sleep disturbances including sleep apnea, or cancer.
How Reliable is a BMI Score?
According to the CDC, the correlation between BMI and body fat is a strong one. However, there are variations according to sex, race and age. For example, females overall tend to have more body fat than men and older adults have more body fat than younger adults. In addition, serious athletes tend to have higher BMIs due to greater amounts of muscles rather than body fat. To ensure BMI is used accurately, medical professionals gather other health information in addition to a BMI score. Other tests to consider alongside BMI may be waist circumference (abdominal fat is an indicator of obesity), blood pressure or physical activity level says the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute.
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