The acronym "BMI" stands for body mass index, which is the relationship of your height to your weight. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, calculating BMI is one of the best methods to assess obesity. There are several ways you can measure your BMI, and it is a good idea to know where that number puts you on the BMI chart. Anything under 18.5 is underweight, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal range, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and a BMI higher than 30 is considered obese.
Metric System
A metric-system equation is a longhand way of determining your BMI. The formula is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. To find your BMI using this equation, you must convert your weight and height from pounds and inches to kilograms and meters. To do this, divide your weight by 2.2, and multiply your height by .0254. If you weigh 200 pounds and stand 6 feet, 2 inches, your weight would be 91 kilograms, your height 1.9 meters. The square of that height is 3.6 meters. Plugging these numbers into the equation shows your BMI to be 25, putting you in the overweight category.
Standard System
The standard BMI equation does not require any conversion, using your height and weight in pounds and inches. The formula is 703 times weight in pounds, divided by height in inches squared. Using the example of 5 feet, 2 inches and 150 pounds, the equation would be 703 x 150/3844. The BMI for this height and weight would be 27, in the overweight category.
Body Fat Analyzer
Body fat analyzers use electrical signals to determine body fat. With a hand-held analyzer, enter your gender, height, weight, activity level, and age into the control pad, then grasp the galvanized handles, extend your arms and hold for seven seconds, until a readout appears on the screen. While you hold the instrument, a painless current of electricity is sent through your upper body to determine its amount of subcutaneous fat. As it reads your body fat, it also displays your BMI. A floor-scale version works the same way, except you stand on it barefooted, and the signal is sent through your lower body.
Online Calculators
Online calculators are the quickest, easiest way to find your BMI. Just input your height and weight, and your BMI appears instantly. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has one such calculator. If you choose this option, make sure you are as accurate and honest as possible when plugging in your numbers.
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