BMI stands for body mass index or body mass indicator and measures a person's height-to-weight ratio. A Belgian statistician Adolphe Quelet invented BMI as a simple way to estimate body fat based on height and weight. While BMI is a good indicator of body fat in moderately active people, it may overestimate fat percentages for extremely muscular individuals.
The formula for calculating BMI is [(weight in pounds) ÷ [(height in inches) * (height in inches)]] * 703 = BMI.
Tips and Warnings
- Although BMI is an adequate predictor of health, it is not an accurate measure of body fat. A doctor or personal trainer can calculate your body fat percentage accurately using skin fold measurements.
- Don't set your goal weight as a borderline-low BMI. Being underweight is just as unhealthy as being overweight.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
- Calculator
- Accurate current height and weight measurements
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