Body mass index (BMI) is used in Canada in conjunction with waist circumference to determine your risk of developing health conditions related to being overweight, underweight or obese, according to Health Canada. BMI is a measure of your weight relative to your weight. The results from the 2004 Canadian Community Health Survey found 36% of Canadian adults were overweight, with a further 23% being classed as obese. The survey also concluded that you're at an increased risk of developing diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases as your BMI increases.
Step 1
Place a digital bathroom scale on a hard, flat surface. Remove your clothes, then stand on the scale. Record your weight to the nearest decimal fraction in either kilograms or pounds.
Step 2
Stand barefoot on a flat, hard surface against a wall. Make sure your head is level. Mark the top of your head with a pencil using a book to create a right angle with your head. Use a tape measure to find your height to the nearest 0.1cm or 1/8th inch.
Step 3
Calculate your BMI with an online calculator like the one provided by Canada Body and Health (see Resources). Enter your height and weight in either metric or standard measurements.
Step 4
Calculate your BMI using standard measurements with the following equation: BMI = (weight (pounds) ÷ height² (inches)) x 703. For example, the BMI of a man 6 feet tall who weighs 200 pounds is calculated as follows: (200 ÷ 72²) x 703 = 27.1.
Step 5
Calculate your BMI using metric measurements with the following equation: BMI = weight (kilograms) / height squared (meters). For example, the BMI of a woman with a height of 170 cm and a weight of 70 kg is calculated as follows: (70 ÷ 1.70²) = 24.2.
Step 6
Determine what the results mean. According to Health Canada, there are four categories of BMI ranges. You are underweight if your BMI is less than 18.5. BMI values between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered normal. If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you are classed as overweight, and you are considered obese if your BMI is above 30.
Things You'll Need
- Digital bathroom scale
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Book
Member Comments