Your body mass index reading can be a useful tool in ascertaining obesity. Calculating your BMI number is easy, but working out what it means can be more difficult. Understanding what the numbers mean and the layout of the chart is necessary to determine your own personal BMI. Knowing your height and weight beforehand may also be necessary and whether gender, race or ethnicity need to be considered.
Step 1
Calculate your own BMI number by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, and then multiply the result by 703.
Step 2
Work out your BMI using one of the many charts available. These charts can easily be found on the Internet. The Food Standards Agency has a color-coded BMI chart while the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has a BMI chart, along with an online calculator, to help with these calculations.
Step 3
Find your height on the chart which is usually located on the left-hand side. Then find your weight, usually given in pounds, at the bottom of the chart. Follow the numbers from both your height and weight until they meet. Where they meet is you BMI number.
Step 4
Determine what category your BMI number falls within. BMI charts usually have four categories but some have five; underweight, normal, overweight, obese and very obese. Each category has a range: underweight is below 18.5; normal range is 18.5 to 25; overweight is 25 to 30; obese is 30 to 35; and very obese is 35 to 40.
Step 5
Decide which kind of chart you want to use. Not all BMI charts are the same. Some have the different BMI numbers grouped together in an easily readable format. Most charts are color-coded which again makes them easier to read, but some are not and may be more difficult to interpret.
Things You'll Need
- Scales
- Height measure
- BMI chart
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