Bmi & Fair Weight Standards

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, overweight and obesity is related to numerous health issues and affects more than 66 percent of the adult population. Body Mass Index, or BMI, provides pertinent body weight information using an easy calculation. Although BMI is widely used, it does have limitations. Understanding BMI allows you to successfully calculate and interpret your results in a fair and educated way.

Calculations

Body mass index uses your height in inches and weight in pounds to calculate overall body mass fitness. Numerous BMI calculators are available online and can calculate your number instantly. To calculate your BMI by hand, multiply your weight in pounds by 703 and divide that number by your height in inches, squared. A person being measured should be barefoot for height accuracy.

BMI Uses

BMI has been useful due to ease of calculation. Height and weight can be measured using simple and inexpensive equipment and a basic calculator can perform BMI calculations. Previously obtained height and weight data can be used to interpret Body Mass Index information for past populations. Although BMI can provide information quickly, it does not replace a more extensive examination.

Intepretation

According to the National Institute of Health's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 to 24.9 is normal weight, 25 to 29.9 is overweight and a BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese. A BMI over 25 is associated with numerous weight-related health issues, including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and cancer.

Alternatives

While Body Mass Index provides quick insight into your fitness, it does not provide detailed information. Using a combination of BMI, circumference measurements and body fat testing provides a well-rounded body mass assessment. Body fat testing tells you what percent of your total weight is made up of fat mass. Due to superior strength and metabolic benefits, muscle mass is better than fat mass. Increased mass around the midsection is associated with disease risk and circumference measurements provide insight into body fat placement.

Considerations

Muscle weighs more than fat and may cause an increased BMI for athletic populations. A strength-trained athlete may be classified as overweight by BMI even though she maintains a healthy body composition. In addition, BMI may underestimate body mass fitness in older adults with reduced muscle mass. By understanding the uses and limitations of BMI you can use it correctly in your health and fitness program.