A healthy BMI promotes a better quality of life because of reduced risks for health problems and even feeling better in your skin. According to the Weight-control Information Center, 68 percent of Americans have a BMI that falls into the overweight or obese range. Learning your BMI can help you determine if you are at a healthy weight range or perhaps need to make some lifestyle changes to get there.
Body Mass Index
The body mass index, BMI, was created as a diagnostic tool in order for you to determine whether your weight is healthy for your height. The BMI uses a simple calculation to help you find if you fall into a healthy weight, overweight, underweight or obese category. The BMI is a screening tool because it simply suggests where your weight falls but does not diagnose you with any health problems.
Calculate It
In order to calculate your BMI you must know your height in inches and your weight in pounds. The BMI equation begins when you take your weight in pounds and multiply it by 703. Divide that number by your height in inches and then divide it again by your height in inches. This final number will place you into one of four categories, underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese.
Numbers
A healthy BMI value is between 18.5 and 24.9 according to the National Institutes of Health. An overweight BMI falls between 25 and 29.9. Having a BMI greater than 30 places you into the obese category. A BMI that falls below 18.5 is considered to be underweight.
Considerations
If your BMI places you in the overweight or obese category consider seeing your doctor to help you make the right choices to reach a healthy weight range. If you fall into the underweight category you may have to focus on choosing to eat more foods that will help you reach a healthy weight. Exercising daily and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats and whole grains will promote a healthy weight range.
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