The body mass index is used to measure if a person’s weight falls within a healthy range based on their height. BMI and waist circumference should be taken into account when assessing risk, as waist measurement measures the amount of fat around your middle. Most persons over the age of 18 can benefit from the BMI measurement. Only an approximation has been made, and it doesn’t take into consideration factors such as age and ethnicity. We also urge that you assess your waist size and other risk factors.
Make an appointment with a healthcare professional to discuss your weight.
Women who are pregnant or minors under the age of 18 should not use this calculator.
BMI Calculate
For both women and men, a BMI calculator like the one given by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the United States makes it easy to determine your body mass index (BMI).
BMI formula: your weight (in kilograms) divided by your height squared (in meters), expressed as kg/m2.
Formula: Weight (kg)/[height (m)]2
Example: weight =95 kg and height= 1.88 m
Calculation: 95/ (1.88)2= 26
It can also be calculated in English:
Multiply weight in pounds by 703.
Multiply that result by your height.
Substitute your height in inches.
Formula: [Weight (lb)/height (in)]2 x 703
Example: weight =209.4 lb and height= 74 in
Calculation: [209.4/ (74)2] x 703= [209.4/5476] x 703= 26
What your BMI means
Once you’ve calculated your BMI, you can figure out what weight range is considered healthy. If you have a BMI of:
- Under 18.5 – You are severely underweight, and it is possible that you are malnourished
- 18.5 to 24.9 – With your healthy weight range for young and middle-aged adults, you’ve achieved a successful outcome.
- 25.0 to 29.9 – you are overweight.
- Over the age of 30 – You have an obesity problem
Considerations
The BMI is not always the best indicator of a healthy weight. Some people’s BMIs may not accurately reflect their body fat percentage. These are:
Athletes: Muscle mass is a characteristic of athletes. Muscle outweighs fat. So an athlete’s weight is not a good measure of body fat. They will have a higher BMI.
Adults: As we age, we lose muscular mass. So the elderly are fatter than usual. Their BMI may be higher. A BMI of 25-27 is preferable for an older person. Prevention of osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).
Children: The BMI of a child or adolescent depends on their age and gender. Their BMI is calculated differently.