Body Mass Index, or BMI, refers to a mathetical equation developed to provide a general view of the relationship between body weight and height. For statistical purposes, the BMI provides some value to researchers. The common assertion, for instance, that Americans are growing "bigger" is a result of measures of BMI. The equation falls short for the individual however, due to the fact that it overlooks the possibility that "excess" weight may be lean body mass, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Nevertheless, caculating BMI provides a useful overview for non-excercisers.
Step 1
Step onto a digital scale and record your body weight. Remove all but a bare minimum of clothing, in order to maximize the accuracy of your weigh-in. The NASM recommends the use of a digital scale, in order to ensure preciseness in the measurements used to calculate BMI.
Step 2
Record your weight in your notebook for further reference.
Step 3
Measure your height as accurately as possible. Stand barefoot, on a flat, level surface for the measurement. Record your height to the nearest inch.
Step 4
Write your height measurement in your notebook.
Step 5
Multiply your weight, in pounds, by the number 703. Record the sum of this equation in your notebook. If you weigh 210 lbs., multiply that number by 703, to reach the sum of 147,630.
Step 6
Multiply your height, in inches by itself to find the square. For instance, if you are 6 feet tall, you are 72 inches. Measure 72 by 72 to obtain the sum of 5,184.
Step 7
Divide the sum of the equation in Step 5, 147,630, by the sum of the equation in Step 6, 5,184. The sum of this equation is your BMI. In the example cited above, the BMI result is 28.47.
Tips and Warnings
- Any number above 25 is considered overweight by the National Institutes of Health. A BMI over 30 is considered obese. The hypothetical 210 lb. person would be considered overweight by the NIH. However, the NASM points out, as mentioned above, that the individual's body fat percentage is far more important, as an indicator of health, than just the BMI. Contact a personal fitness trainer for help determining your body fat percentage if you are concerned about an above "normal" BMI.
- As mentioned in the article, do not rely solely on BMI as an indicator of health since other factors can be considered more important.
Things You'll Need
- Digital scale
- Notebook
- Tape measure
- Calculator
References
- "Essentials of Personal Fitness Training;" National Academy of Sports Medicine; 2008
- National Institutes of Health: Statistics related to weight and obesity
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