BMI, or body mass index, is a calculation to help determine whether you're at a healthy weight. Being overweight can lead to many preventative health risks, such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke or depression.
Body Mass Index
BMI was created as a screening tool for the general population to see whether a person's weight is suitable for his height. The BMI uses your weight and height only to determine whether you fall into a healthy or unhealthy category; it does not take into consideration what amount of your body is muscle versus fat.
Calculation
In order to calculate your BMI, determine your height in inches and your weight in pounds. Then multiply your weight in pounds by 703. Divide the result by your height in inches and divide that number by your height in inches again. Your value places you into one of four categories, which represent whether you fall into a healthy weight range or not.
Categories
The National Institutes of Health determined that an underweight BMI is below 18.5. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9; an overweight BMI is between 25 and 29.9. You are considered obese if your BMI is above 30.
Considerations
According to the Weight Control Information Network, 68 percent of adults have a BMI higher than 25, which places them in the overweight category. A total of 33.8 percent of adults fall into the obese category, with a BMI greater than 30. Self-monitoring your BMI can help you better understand whether you're at a healthy weight or should set a weight-loss goal.
Member Comments