Know Your Body Mass Index
BMI Calculator
BMI Calculator
If I were to tell you someone weighs 175 pounds, would you think they were "fat?"
Would it make a difference if I told you their height was 5'2" not 6'5"? Of course it would!! Height weight ratio matters when it comes to defining "overweight."
Most of us tend to jump on the scale and use our weight as the sole indicator of how heavy we are. However, calculating BMI (body mass index) is a more accurate measure of relative "fatness" (than just considering body weight alone) because a person’s height makes a difference!
So why does "fatness" matter, other than for vanity???
Because high BMI is a health risk! Total body fat is related to the risk of disease and death. Your Body Mass Index is an indicator of excess body fat, and it gives a better indication of health risks than body weight alone does.
Calculate BMI
Have you entered your height and weight in the BMI Calculator? Here's how to interpret the results:
- <18.5 = Underweight
- 18.5-24.9 = Normal weight
- 25-29.9 = Overweight
- BMI of 30 or greater = Obese
Results from the BMI calculator are rounded to the nearest whole number! If you want to know your results to the decimal, here's the formula:
Start by figuring your height in inches. (5'4" = 64 in.) Square it. (64 x 64 = 4096)
Now take your weight in pounds and divide it by the square of your height in inches. (If you weight 135, then 135/4096 = .0329589.)
Now multiply that crazy number by 703. (703 x .0329589 = 23.17.) 23.17 would be your BMI!
If your BMI is > 25, you are at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, and losing weight would be a good idea!
Of course, easier said than done, I know!
Logical responses to an elevated BMI
You might want to start by setting a target weight for yourself that would result in a healthy BMI. Go to my reverse BMI calculator page to determine a healthy weight for your height!
Now...
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My BMI index calculator produces scores that are valid for adult men and women 18 + years old, but it has limits...
It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build. It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass. It is not an accurate measurement for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Note: Increased waist circumference can also be a marker for increased disease risk even in persons of "normal" weight. This risk increases with a waist measurement of over 40 inches in men and over 35 inches in women. Calculate your waist to hip ratio.
Back to Personal Nutrition Calculators.
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