Body mass index measures the extent to which your body weight falls in a healthy range. Based on height and weight, a body mass index below 18.5 characterizes underweight status, 18.5 to 24.9 normal, 25 to 29.9 overweight and above 30 obese. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention, calculating body mass index is an inexpensive tool to gauge obesity among the general population. Further, the American Heart Association contends that body mass index assesses the risk for obesity-related diseases, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers.
U.S. Customary Units
Step 1
Obtain measurement of height in inches. Stand with back against a wall. Make a light pencil mark on the wall at the point where the top of the head reaches the wall. Measure length from floor to mark using a tape measure to obtain height. Multiply the number of feet by 12 and add any additional inches. For example, if height is 5 feet 2 inches, multiply 5 by 12 then add 2 for the result of 62 inches.
Step 2
Measure weight in pounds using a scale.
Step 3
Divide weight by the value of height squared, then multiply by 703 to obtain body mass index value. Squared means multiplying a number by itself. For example if an individual weights 200 pounds and is 5 feet 7 inches. To calculate her body mass index, divide 200 by the product of 67 times 67, then multiply by 703 for a body mass index of 31.3.
Metric System
Step 1
Obtain measurement of height in meters. Stand with back against a wall. Make a light pencil mark on the wall at the point where the top of the head reaches the wall. Then measure using a tape measure length from floor to mark to obtain height. Convert centimeters to meters by dividing by 100.
Step 2
Measure of weight in kilograms using a scale.
Step 3
Divide weight by height squared to obtain body mass index. Squared means multiplying a number by itself. For example, if an individual weighs 83 kilograms and is 1.78 meters. To calculate his body mass index, divide 83 by the product of 1.78 multiplied by 1.78 for a result of 26.2.
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Scale
- Calculator
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