BMI refers to body mass index, which is a measurement that tells you if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. In Australia, you can calculate your BMI by using a simple equation that includes your height in meters and your weight in kilograms. Learning that your BMI is too low or too high can be the first step in getting healthy and making changes to prevent or reverse chronic disease. You are considered underweight if your BMI is under 18.5, normal weight if it is between 18.5 and 24.9, overweight if it is 25.0 to 29.9, and obese if it is over 30.0. The metric equation for calculating your BMI is weight divided by height squared.
Step 1
Step on the scale to get your weight. Use the measuring tape to get your height, with your shoes off. Write these numbers down.
Step 2
Multiply your height in meters by the same number to square your height, using your calculator. For example, if you are 1.5 meters tall, you would multiple 1.5 x 1.5 to get 2.25.
Step 3
Divide your weight by your height squared. Using the same example, if you weigh 50 kg, you would divide 50 by 2.25. This gives you a BMI of 22.2, which is considered normal.
Tips and Warnings
- If you prefer, you can do an Internet search for BMI calculators that will automatically do the calculation for you. Keeping track of all calculations allows you to retrace your steps if you have a problem and need to find your error. Because of their high muscle mass, athletes might have BMIs that are classified as overweight or obese. This does not mean they have a weight problem. Women tend to have more body fat than men, and senior citizens tend to have more body fat than their younger adult counterparts.
Things You'll Need
- Scale
- Measuring Tape
- Paper
- Pen
- Calculator
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