When it comes to the body, there are several assessments used to determine the status of your health. These assessments are utilized in the medical and fitness industry and some examples are body weight, body fat percentage, lean muscle mass and BMI, or body mass index. Body mass index is basically the amount of body fat you have throughout your given height and weight.
Step 1
Weigh yourself. To get the most accurate reading, weigh yourself first thing in the morning on an empty stomach after you use the bathroom. Step on the scale in your underwear or with nothing on at all to get more precise.
Step 2
Measure your height. Stand with your back to a wall or stand inside a doorway. Place a tick mark on the wall at the top of your head. Measure this distance in inches and then square it.
Step 3
Use a formula. Take your weight, divide it by your height (in inches, squared) and multiply by 703 to get your body mass index. Here's an example using a women who is 5-feet,1-inch, and weighs 110 pounds: 703 x (110 / 61 x 61) = a BMI of 20.78.
Step 4
Use the metric system. There is also a metric system equation that can be used. In this formula, take your weight in kilograms and divide it by your height in meters squared. Here's an example using a man who is 6-foot-4 and weighs 220 pounds. 220 / 2.2 = 110kg and 76 x .0254 = 1.93 meters. 110 / (1.93 x 1.93) = a BMI of 29.57.
Step 5
Use your computer. There are online calculators that can be used to quickly determine body mass index. The Centers for Disease Control has one available (see References). Input your height and weight and your BMI comes up in seconds.
Step 6
Compare your results. After you have figured out your BMI, cross reference it on a chart to see your health status. If you are <18.5, you are considered underweight, if you are 18.5 to 24.9 you are considered normal, 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and 30 or above is obese.
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