The body mass index measure, or BMI, is a common screening tool used to assess your weight-related health risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. Your BMI is calculated using your height and weight and then classified into a corresponding category. Although the BMI measure does not directly measure body fat, it is a reliable indicator of body fat for most people.
Why BMI?
The BMI measure is commonly used because it is inexpensive and only requires your height and weight to calculate. It is easy for the general public to use, and once your know your BMI, you can easily compare your weight status to the general population. If your BMI is classified in the "overweight" or "obese" categories, your risks for weight-related diseases and conditions are increased.
Calculate Your BMI
Calculating your BMI can be done with your own calculator or by using online tools that can calculate it for you. To calculate your BMI on your own, first square your height, in inches. If your height is 67 inches, multiply 67 by 67. Next divide your weight, in pounds, by your height squared. Finally, multiply your result by a conversion factor of 103. This result is your BMI. Mayoclinic.com and the CDC also have online calculators where you can plug in your height and weight to quickly determine your BMI.
Overweight
If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9 you are in the "overweight" category. This BMI corresponds to an increased risk in obesity-related diseases, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and stroke. The National Cancer Institute also reports that being overweight, as classified by BMI, can lead to an elevated risk of death from cancer. Keeping your BMI at a level that corresponds with the "normal" category of 18.5 to 24.9 will reduce your risk for many weight-related conditions.
Obese
Obesity is defined as having a BMI above 30. According to the Weight-control Information Network from the National Institutes of Health, approximately 33 percent of adults, age 20 and older, are obese. Having a BMI that is classified as "obese" increases your risk of weight-related conditions more than just being in the "overweight" category. As your BMI increases, so does your disease risk.
Recommendations
Lowering your BMI into the "normal" range is recommended for better health. To lose weight the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends developing better eating and exercise habits. It recommends eating a balanced diet than includes fruits, vegetables and healthy sources of carbohydrates and protein. To lose weight, you must consume fewer calories than your body needs. Another way to help you burn calories is through regular exercise. Brisk walking, swimming or cycling for at least 30 minutes each day may be beneficial for weight loss.
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