When it comes to your weight, the number you see on your bathroom scales may not be the best indicator of whether you fall into the "healthy" category or not. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number you need to be more aware of is your body mass index, which is determined by a ratio of height to weight. Your physician may be more concerned about this number, because in general, it is more indicative of body fat, which directly relates to specific health issues.
BMI Calculation
BMI is an internationally recognized measurement used to estimate obesity. To find your BMI, you only need two numbers. Take your weight in pounds multiplied by 703 and divide that number by your height in inches squared (multiplied by itself). For example, if you are are 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weigh 140 lbs., using this equation, your BMI is 23, which falls into the healthy weight category on the BMI charts.
Healthy Range for Adults
For adults, the CDC considers a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 to be in the "healthy range" of weight to height ratio. If your number is below 18.5, you are considered to be underweight. If your number is 25 to 29.9, you fall into the "overweight" category. Finally, the number that is cause for concern and where a person is considered to be obese or morbidly obese, is 30 and above. For convenience, BMI calculators with height to weight ratio charts are available on the Internet at sites like HealthCheckSystems.com, in addition to many others.
BMI For Children and Teens
For children and teens, the weight to height ratio or BMI number, is calculated the same as adults. However, because amount of body fat during adolescence not only changes with age, but also differs between boys and girls, the information is interpreted differently than in adults. The BMI-for-age growth charts provided by the CDC allows for these differences and translates a child's BMI number into a sex and age percentile. For example, a 10-year-old boy who has a BMI of 23 would fall into the obese category, whereas a boy with the same BMI who is 15 years old, would fall into the "healthy weight" range.
Why BMI Matters
MayoClinic.com warns that if you have a BMI of 30 or more, not only are you considered obese, but you have a higher risk of developing serious diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. With about one in three Americans considered to be obese, it is important to discuss your BMI number with your doctor, understand what it means, and ask for advice on how to maintain a healthy weight to height ratio.
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