How to Compute BMI & Calories

The Body Mass Index measure, or BMI, is a common screening tool that assesses potential health risks associated with being overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Your BMI is calculated by using your height and weight and "is a fairly reliable indicator of body fatness for most people," states the CDC. Once you know what weight category you are in, you can calculate how many calories you need to eat to stay at your healthy weight, or lose weight if necessary.

Tips and Warnings

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, how many calories you need depends on your age, gender, weight and physical activity habits. If you are not very active, eating the amount of calories towards the lower end of your calorie range helps you maintain your weight. If you need to lose weight, eating fewer calories than your calorie range helps you gradually reach a healthier weight. Using an online calculator may make it easier to compute your BMI and recommended calorie intake. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's "MyPyramid" program is a well-known way to calculate your calorie needs.
• Your body has specific needs, and using these calorie calculations may not meet your individual circumstances. If you are concerned about your weight or do not know how to estimate your calorie needs, consulting with a doctor or registered dietitian may be beneficial.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Paper
• Pen
• BMI classification chart

References

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: About BMI for Adults
• University of Maryland Medical Center: How many calories should you cut?