What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a simple calculation using a person's height and weight. The formula is BMI = kg/m 2 where kg is a person's weight in kilograms and m 2 is their height in metres squared.
BMI Categories
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30 or greater
How to Calculate BMI
To calculate BMI in the metric system, divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.
BMI = Weight (kg) / (Height (m) × Height (m))For the imperial system, the formula involves multiplying the weight in pounds by 703, then dividing by the square of height in inches.
BMI = 703 × Weight (lbs) / (Height (in) × Height (in))Why Does BMI Matter?
A high BMI can be an indicator of high body fatness. BMI can be used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems but it is not diagnostic of the body fatness or health of an individual.
Important Note: BMI is a screening tool and should not be used as the sole indicator of health. Consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive health assessment.