Body mass index, which is calculated using a person's height and weight, provides a good estimate of body fat composition for most people. The easy-to-calculate, indirect estimates provided by the BMI are consistent with the results of more complicated methods used to determine the amount of a person's body fat. Proper interpretation of your BMI gives you a useful tool for evaluating and monitoring your health based on your weight.
The Adult BMI Scale
The standard BMI scale used to classify your weight status if you are 20 years of age or older is the same as that used to estimate body fat in children. It is the interpretation of BMI values that differs for adults and children. For adults, obesity is suggested by a BMI of 30.0 or greater. An adult with a BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 might be considered overweight while a BMI less than 18.5 might be considered underweight. For most people, a healthy weight corresponds to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9.
Use of the Adult BMI
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses BMI to estimate body fat because, the organization explains on its website, "calculating BMI is one of the best methods for population assessment of overweight and obesity. Because calculation requires only height and weight, it is inexpensive and easy to use for clinicians and for the general public. The use of BMI allows people to compare their own weight status to that of the general population."
Calculating Your Adult BMI
If you know your height in inches and your weight in pounds, use this formula to find your BMI: {Weight} ÷ {Height x Height} x 703. For example, if you are 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weigh 150 pounds, your BMI equals {150} ÷ {64 x 64}} x 703 = {{150} ÷ {4,096}} x 703 = {0.0366} x 703 = 25.7
If you know your height in meters and your weight in kilograms, use this formula to find your BMI: {Weight} ÷ {Height x Height}. For example, if you are 1.75 meters tall and weigh 75 kilograms, your BMI equals {75} ÷ {1.75 x 1.75 } = {75} ÷ {3.06} = 24.5
Interpreting Your Adult BMI
BMI is just one factor used to assess the health implications of your weight. Others are waist circumference and other risks factors such as smoking and high cholesterol, which are known to increase the chances of developing heart disease and other illnesses associated with excess weight. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute advises people whose BMI places them in the obese or overweight categories to "talk to your doctor to see whether you are at an increased risk and whether you should lose weight. Your doctor will evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and other risk factors for heart disease."
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