BMI, or body mass index, uses height and weight to estimate body fat. It is one way to identify if a person may be at increased risk for diseases such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Losing weight will help to lower BMI, reducing this risk. Although some people may consider healthy weight loss, considered 1 to 2 lbs. per week, to be a slow process, it can lead to long-term results and greater overall health. To achieve this weight loss rate, aim to consume 500 to 1,000 fewer calories per day.
Calculating BMI
Step 1
Measure your height in meters. Or take your height in inches and multiply by 0.025 to obtain height in meters.
Step 2
Measure your weight in kilograms. Or take your weight in pounds and divide by 2.2 to obtain your weight in kilograms.
Step 3
Divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Thus, for woman standing 5 feet 2 inches tall weighing 110 lbs., her height in meters would be 1.55 and her weight in kilograms would be 50. Using the BMI calculation, 50kg/1.55m² equals 20.8, which falls in the normal range.
Calculating Weight Loss
Step 1
Note your original body weight, pre-weight loss.
Step 2
Subtract your current body weight from your original body weight. This will provide the number of pounds lost.
Step 3
Divide your current body weight by the number of pounds lost, then multiply times 100. For example, if your current body weight is 120 lbs. and your original body weight was 150 lbs., you've lost 30 lbs. Thus, the calculation would be 30/150 times 100 equals 20 percent.
Things You'll Need
- Calculator
References
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Healthy Weight – it’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle!
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: Aim for a Healthy Weight
- BMI Calculator: BMI Formula
- American Dietetic Association: Understanding Body Mass Index
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