1. Why Does BMI Matter?
Your body mass index (BMI) is a better indication of potential weight problems than simply looking at your weight. The BMI takes your height and weight into consideration and is a reliable indication of the amount of body fat you have. However, the BMI does not actually measure body fat. If your BMI is high, your doctor will use other measurements to see how much body fat you actually have.
2. BMI and Athletes
Since the BMI uses weight to determine the approximate amount of body fat, people with high quantities of muscle may be heavier than their low-muscled counterparts, making their BMI higher. However, athletic people don't usually have high quantities of body fat. Check with your doctor if you're an athlete and your BMI is very high--chances are, you're just fine.
3. BMI and Children
Experts use the same criteria in determining the BMI in children and adults: They look at height and weight. However, experts also consider different criteria with children, including age and sex, since the amount of body fat differs at different stages. In addition, the amount of body fat differs with girls and boys, especially as girls hit puberty.
4. Calculate Your BMI
Square your height in inches. Take your weight and divide it by your height in inches squared. Multiply that number by 703. If this seems too complex, find a chart that does the work for you or speak to your care provider. When given your height and weight, your care provider should be able to calculate your BMI.
5. What Do All the Numbers Mean?
If your BMI is under 18.5, you're considered underweight. BMIs from 18.5 to 24.9 are normal. If your BMI ranges from 25.0 to 29.9, you're overweight. If you're BMI is over 30, you're obese. Being overweight or obese increases your chances of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, some cancers and heart disease. When calculating your BMI, keep in mind that women tend to have more body fat than men, older people tend to have more body fat, and athletes have higher BMIs.
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