Too many variables exist to categorize a certain weight as fat or skinny. The body mass index, or BMI, helps to eliminate such confusion by taking all aspects into consideration. The overall result is a precise targeting of where your body type ranks on a scale of fitness.
Calculating BMI
Step 1
Weigh yourself on a scale and record the result in pounds on a piece of paper. Place the weight in parentheses and draw a line underneath. This is the first part of the BMI formula.
Step 2
Stand next to a wall and draw a line right above your head. Use your tape measure to discover your height and record it in inches underneath your weight. Square your height to complete the second part of the equation.
Step 3
Divide your weight by your squared height. Multiply this result by 703 to arrive at your BMI. Ideally, your number will fall between 18 and 30.
Step 4
Look at the number from step 3. If it is 18.5 or less, you are thin and possibly underweight. Scoring between 18.6 and 24.9 means you are at a healthy weight. Scoring between 25 and 29.9 means you are overweight, and any number above 29.9 is represents obese.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Tape measure
- Calculator
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