Body mass index (BMI) measures your weight relative to your height. This number can provide more information about your health and body fat levels than your weight in pounds. Your BMI value offers a good starting point for discussions about your weight and associated health risks with your doctor.
Adult BMI
Adults 20 years and older can calculate their BMI value with a simple formula. Divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches, squared. Then multiply the resulting value by 703. This value represents your BMI. For example, if you weigh 165 pounds and measure 6 feet tall, divide 165 by 5,184 and multiply the resulting value by 703. You should find that you have a BMI value of 22.375.
Child and Teen BMI
Children and teens ages 2 to 19 should use child-specific BMI calculators provided by organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic. Child and teen BMI values vary by age and gender.
What Your BMI Value Means
According to the Cleveland Clinic, BMI values 18.5 and under indicate that you are underweight. Normal BMI values range from 18.5 to 24.9, and overweight BMI values range from 25.0 to 29.9. BMI values of 30.0 to 34.9 indicate obesity, and BMI values of 35 or higher indicate morbid obesity.
BMI Effectiveness for Women
According to MayoClinic.com, BMI values tend to underestimate obesity in women. Many women with normal BMI values have unhealthily high body fat percentages, putting them at greater risk for obesity-related health problems. On average, women have higher body fat percentages than men, even if they are a normal weight. Researchers have not yet developed a more accurate BMI calculator for women. If you suspect that your BMI value does not accurately represent your fitness, consider other factors when assessing your weight and health risks.
Other Indicators of Obesity
Other measurements than can indicate obesity and high risk for health problems include waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. According to MayoClinic,com, people who carry more weight in the waist face higher risks for obesity-related diseases than those who carry more weight below the waist. Thus, BMI values alone might not indicate your risk for these diseases. Consider other measurements, such as your waist size, and consult with your doctor when assessing risks and developing a strategy to achieve better health.
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