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Explain BMI

Explain BMI thumbnail
BMI calculates body fatness.

BMI, or body mass index, is a number that estimates total body fat and ideal weight. Doctors and medical professionals use BMI to calculate whether a patient is over his recommended weight. BMI indicates if you are overweight, underweight or normal weight.

  1. Calculation

    • BMI is calculated from a person's weight and height. The imperial formula is weight in pounds divided by height in inches squared, multiplied by 703. The metric formula uses weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared.

    Weight Range

    • The BMI healthy weight range is 20 to 25. The scale ranges from under 20, which is underweight; to 26 to 30, which is overweight; and over 30, which is obese. By calculating your BMI, you can get a reasonably reliable indicator of your weight range.

    Limitations

    • Although BMI is a reliable indicator of weight for most people, it does have limitations. It will overestimate for people that have a high muscle mass, as it does not discriminate between fat and muscle. Therefore, it may not be helpful for bodybuilders, athletes, pregnant women, the elderly, children or those with a disability.

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References

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