BMI Calculator

A BMI calculator can be a useful little tool, but before you use the  BMI calculator , we would like to explain more about what BMI stands for and how it is used.  So please keep reading further down the page.

Calculate your BMI

The Food Pyramid

BMI – Body Mass Index

The body mass index, also known as “BMI,” is a measurement that compares a person’s weight and height to determine body fatness. It does not measure the percentage of fat, but it does give a good indication whether an individual is at healthy weight. There are several elements of the body mass index that should be considered when using this measurement.

How BMI is used

Health professionals often use BMI measurements when determining the health risk of a person, because there are many health problems associated with obesity. If a person has a high body mass index, then they are more likely to experience health complications that are related with higher levels of body fat.

If a person has a higher body mass index, then it is likely that their health professional will suggest a weight reduction diet in order to reduce the risk of serious diseases such as: heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Even small amounts of weight loss can decrease the risk of disease, and every effort should be made to maintain a healthy BMI.

It is important to note that body mass index is not a tool to diagnose those diseases. Instead BMI is used to measure the fat, which can be an indication of other health problems. If a person has a high BMI, it is a good idea to perform other health screenings to determine if treatment is needed for specific diseases.

How to calculate BMI

There are different mathematical formulas that can be used to identify a person’s BMI. These formulas all produce the same data, and the differences in the formulas are based on the measurements that are being used. For example, some formulas require the use of kilograms for weight and meters for height, while other BMI formulas use pounds for weight and inches for height.

When using the measurements of inches and pounds, body mass index can be calculated by dividing weight by height squared and multiplying that number by 703. For example:

• Weight = 160 lbs
• Height = 5’8” (68 inches)
• Calculation: 160 divided by 68 squared, times 703 = A BMI of 24.33

The easiest way to figure out your BMI is by using a BMI calculator, where you simply add in your weight and height measurements and the calculator will tell you where you fall within the range of BMI measurements.

BMI Measurements

These are the standard categories that are used for BMI:

• Underweight: Body Mass Index of less than 18.5
• Normal Weight: Body Mass Index between 18.5 – 24.9
• Overweight: Body Mass Index between 25 – 29.9
• Obese: Body Mass Index of 30 or higher

Everyone should strive to have their BMI within the normal range. If a person’s BMI falls within the “underweight” category, it could be a sign of health risks due to malnourishment. Sometimes a low BMI can be an indication of an eating disorder. On the other hand, a BMI in the “overweight” or “obese” categories can be dangerous, because excess fat can increase a person’s risk of serious diseases and health complications.

Other BMI Measurements

Even though body mass index is a standard measuring technique used by many health professionals, there are a few exceptions to the rule. Children have a different set of BMI requirements, and a special BMI calculator should be used to determine a child’s body mass.

Additionally, BMI numbers may not reflect a true measurement of health for athletes. It is common for athlete’s to have a BMI within the overweight/obese category because they have more muscle. Body mass index is designed to assess body fat, and it does not consider muscle weight. Because of this, BMI is not a reliable calculation for athletes.