There are many different parameters used to assess the body when it comes to overall health. Some of these include body weight, body fat percentage, lean muscle mass and BMI, or body mass index. Body mass index is the amount of fat you have in relation to your weight and height. When it comes to calculating BMI for women, it is done the same way as it is for men--a few numbers need to be determined and then input into an equation.
Step 1
Determine your weight. Weigh yourself first thing in the morning as soon as you get out of bed on an empty stomach and after using the bathroom. This will give you the most accurate reading. To make it even more accurate, weigh yourself naked or just wearing underwear.
Step 2
Measure your height. Stand with your back against a wall or stand inside in an open doorway. Grab a pencil and place a small tick mark on the wall at the top of your head. Measure this distance in inches.
Step 3
Find your body mass index. Divide your weight by your height squared, then multiply by 703 to get your body mass index. Here's an example using a woman who is 5-foot-8 and weighs 150 pounds: 150 / (68 x 68) x 703 = a BMI of 22.8
Step 4
Use the metric system to find body mass index. In this case, divide weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. To convert weight to kilograms divide it by 2.2, and to convert height to meters, multiply it by .0254 meters. Here's an example using a woman who is 5-foot-10 and weighs 170 pounds:
170 / 2.2 = 72kg
70 x .0254 = 1.78m
72 / (1.78 x 1.78) = a BMI of 22.71
Step 5
Use a computer. The Centers for Disease Control has an online calculator that can be used to determine body mass index. Input height and weight and your BMI comes right up (see References).
Step 6
Compare your results. If you are less than18.5 you are considered underweight, if you are between 18.5 and 24.9, you are in the normal range; 25 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 or higher is considered obese.
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