BMI, or body mass index, is used to assess your weight relative to your height. BMI is commonly used for defining obesity and provides a rough estimate for body fat percentage. A BMI greater than 30 is considered obese and increases your risk of hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and all-cause mortality, reports the American College of Sports Medicine. Being underweight and having a BMI of less than 18.5 is also associated with health risks including increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Step 1
Weigh yourself with your shoes and as much clothing as possible removed. Record your weight in pounds.
Step 2
Measure your height by standing against a wall with your shoes off. Stand straight, look straight ahead, and use a pencil to make a mark on the wall level with the top of your head. Step away from the wall and use a measuring tape to measure from the floor to the mark. Record your height in inches.
Step 3
Calculate your BMI by using the common BMI formula:
BMI = weight in pounds / (height in inches x height in inches) x 703
For example, a person who weighs 200 pounds and is 72 inches tall would have a BMI of:
BMI = 200 pounds / (72 inches x 72 inches) x 703
BMI = 27.1
Step 4
Compare you BMI with a BMI classification table. The individual in the example would be classified as overweight with a BMI of 27.1.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Measuring tape
- Calculator
- Pen and paper
- BMI classification table
References
- "ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription", Seventh Edition; 2006
- Mayo Clinic: Body Mass Index--Do You Know Yours?
- World Health Organization: BMI Classification
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