Body Mass Index is a calculation, using a weight and height formula, to determine the status of healthy weight for adult men and women. There are several ways to measure your body mass index. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal weight.
Formula To Calculate BMI
Since the actual formula for BMI is weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703, you can plug in the numbers of your height and weight to get your BMI number. For example, if your weight is 150 pounds, and your height is 67 inches, it would be: 150 divided by 4,489 (67 multiplied by 67) and then multiply by 703, which would result in a BMI of 23.5. This BMI is considered a normal weight, but note it is at the upper range of normal. You can use this formula to test according to other standard BMI tables and charts.
BMI Tables
The 2000 Dietary Guidelines For Americans provided a BMI table in which you found your weight and height and then found the BMI range according to where both intersected on the table. This table helped find the BMI range, rather than an exact number. Now there are BMI tables and charts that can show your estimated BMI number, such as if your BMI is 21 or 22 or somewhere in between. Although you can get a closer estimate of your BMI, your exact number is not determined with this method.
BMI Calculators
There are several online BMI calculators that calculate your BMI when you put in your height and weight. You can find one on the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention website, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website along with several other national health organization websites. Your BMI number can give you a general idea of your weight status, and according to the CDC, it is a fair indicator of body fatness, however it is not a direct measure of body fat. Using a BMI calculator is fast, quite accurate, and gives you an exact BMI number.
BMI for Children
It is also important to find the BMI number for children to help prevent overweight or obesity. The CDC has a child and teenager BMI calculator, which calculates the BMI number and percentile. Percentile means the weight of the child or teenager in comparison to others in that gender and age category. Since children and teens are growing, it is best to consult with your pediatrician about the BMI of your child or teenager.
Member Comments