Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person’s height and weight. Here’s how you can calculate BMI:
Formula: BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]^2
So, you divide a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters.
If you’re more familiar with pounds and inches, you can use this formula: BMI = [weight (lb) / [height (in)]^2] * 703
So, you divide a person’s weight in pounds by the square of their height in inches. The result is then multiplied by 703.
BMI Categories: Once you have calculated your BMI, you can interpret it using these categories (for adults 20 years old and older) defined by the World Health Organization (WHO):
- Below 18.5: Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight
- 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
- 30.0 and above: Obesity
Please note that while BMI can be a useful tool for identifying whether an individual is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese, it is not a perfect measure. It does not directly measure body fat, and it does not account for muscle mass, bone density, or distribution of fat. Therefore, a very muscular person might have a high BMI without having excess body fat. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a more comprehensive understanding of your health.
