BMI stands for body mass index. This measurement is calculated from a person's weight and height, and is a reliable indicator of body fat for most individuals. While the BMI index does not measure body fat directly, it is still considered a reliable tool to identify potential weight problems. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal, while 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and 30 or above is considered obese.
BMI Test for Adults
The BMI test is the same for all adults over the age of 20. First, you have to find your accurate height (in inches) and weight (in pounds). After you have these numbers, you plug them into the BMI equation. BMI equals your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared. Once you figure that out, multiply by a conversion factor of 703. The final number is your BMI.
BMI Test for Children and Teens
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that the BMI test for children ages 2 to 20 differs from the adult test in one important way. Like the adult BMI test, this version of the BMI test requires an accurate height and weight. The formula to find the BMI is the same. The key difference is that BMI is both age- and gender-specific for those who are 20 years old or younger. This measurement, commonly known as BMI-for-age, is measured as a percentile.
Interpreting BMI-for-Age
The BMI-for-age interpreted differently because the amount of body fat changes with age, and body fat differs between genders. To find the percentile, you'll need to obtain a BMI-for-age growth chart (available on the CDC's website), which will allow you to see how the young person's BMI compares to others in his or her age range and gender.
BMI Test for Animals
It is also possible to find the BMI of an animal using a variation of the standard BMI test. A study on obese cats conducted by researchers at the University of Georgia developed a BMI test for cats. After they found accurate heights, weights and lengths for the cats, they used a modified formula. BMI was determined by dividing the body weight (kg) of the animal by the product of height times length (meters squared). Normal cats were under 42, while obese cats were over 42.
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