The Best Method to Calculate BMI
BMI, or body mass index, is a formula that uses weight and height to estimate the amount of fat that a person has in his body. Doctors often use BMI fto determine whether a person is overweight, obese, or morbidly obese. This is important because obesity can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and type 2 diabetes.
Instructions
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Weigh yourself in pounds and record the number. It is best to weigh yourself first thing in the morning, and wearing as little as possible.
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Measure your height in inches and record the number. Make sure you are not wearing shoes. It is easiest to have someone help you measure your height to get the most accurate measurement.
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Calculate your BMI. To do this, divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiply this by 703. For example, a person who is 6 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds would do the following math:
200/(72x72) x 703
200/5184 x 703
0.039 x 703
=27.1
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Determine what the number you get means by looking at the following:
Below 18.5: Underweight
18.5-24.9: Normal
25.0-29.9: Overweight
30.0-39.9: Obese
40.0+: Morbidly obese
By this scale, our example from above, with a BMI of 27.1, would be classified as overweight.
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Tips & Warnings
Waist circumference is also important. At a circumference of more than 35 inches, the risk for obesity-related diseases increases dramatically.
This BMI scale is reliable only for 20 and older. There is a different scale for children and youth.
Women usually have more body fat then men, even at the same BMI.
Older people usually have more body fat than young people, even at the same BMI.
Heavily trained athletes might have a higher BMI because of muscle rather than excess fat.
