BMI is simply a calculated number that compares weight for height. It is one way to evaluate your risk for obesity related diseases. If you would like to learn how to calculate your own BMI or just learn more about what it means, then read on.
As stated, BMI compares your weight for
your height. In general, as BMI increases, so does the risk for health
complications. As you read, keep in mind that BMI is meant to
compare the average body type [1].
You want to have a BMI less than 25 in order to decrease your risk for diseases associated with being overweight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 corresponds to a healthy weight.
As your weight rises above that level so does your risk for health
complications, including high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart
disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and some cancers. You can find a BMI calculator on the
National Institutes of Health’s website at www.nih.gov. However, if you would like to learn how to calculate your BMI yourself, the equation is weight in kilograms (kg) divided by height in meters (m) squared.
BMI Equation: Weight (kg) / Height (m) squared
Here's a sample calculation for a person who is 150 pounds and 5 feet 8 inches (68 inches) tall. Try this one for practice and then plug in your measurements in order to calculate your own BMI.
1. Determine weight in kilograms.
Divide pounds by 2.2. Ex). 150/2.2 = 68.2 kg
2. Determine height in meters squared.
First, determine ht. in cm. Ex). 68 inches x 2.54 = 172.72 cm.
Next, divide ht. in cm. by 100 to get ht. in meters. Ex). 172.72/100 = 1.73
Then, square ht. in meters. Ex). 1.73 x 1.73 = 2.98
3. Divide wt. in kg (68.2) by ht. in meters squared (2.98) = 23
BMI Categories Less than 18.5 = Underweight18.5-24.9 = Healthy Weight25-29.9 = Overweight30-39.9 = Obese40 and above = Morbidly ObeseThe person in the sample calculation has a BMI of 23, which is within the healthy range (18.5-24.9). How about you?
[1] One of the BMI’s downfalls is that it does not
take into consideration your body composition, which means that if you
happen to be quite muscular, then your BMI may seem falsely high. The
BMI assumes that any extra weight you have is fat, not muscle.
April Adamswww.AntiFadDiet.comI am a Registered Dietitian and author with years of experience in weight loss counseling. If you would like more information about how to reach a healthy BMI in the most practical, painless way possible, please visit my website. I have recently written a book entitled Back to Basics: A Practical Guide to Healthier Eating and Weight Loss that provides my no non-sense tips to help you cut unnecessary calories from your diet and better meet your body's nutrient needs.
