BMI, otherwise known as Body Mass Index, is the number you get when you calculate a person's weight and height in relation to what is normal and healthy. This number is used to determine if an individual has a healthy amount of body fat, helping adults identify possible weight loss problems. On average, women tend to have more body fat than men, and older people, on average, tend to have more body fat than younger adults. This is both easy to calculate and can help one get on the way to a better and healthier lifestyle. Here's how to find out your very own BMI:
In kilograms and meters (or centimeters): Weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
1. First, convert your weight from pounds to kilograms:
Your weight (in pounds) divided by 2.2 equals your weight in kilograms.
2. Second, convert your height from inches to meters:
Your height (in inches) divided by 39.37 equals your height in meters.
3. Calculate your BMI:
Your weight (in kilograms) divided by your height (in meters) multiplied by your height (in meters) equals your total BMI.
In pounds and inches: Weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703
1. Calculate your BMI by dividing your weight (in pounds) by height (in inches) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.
If you don't want to calculate your BMI manually, the Bowflex BMI/Daily Calorie Scale is perfect for not only keeping an eye on your BMI, but for determining the number of calories you have to burn per day in order to maintain your current weight. All you have to do is step on!
What is considered a healthy BMI?
Once you figure out that number, it's important to know what to do with it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anything below a BMI of 18.5 for adults is considered underweight. A normal BMI should be anywhere between 18.5 and 24.9. An overweight individual would have a BMI in the range of 25 and 29.9, while an obese adult would have a number showing 30 or above. For example, for someone who has a height of about 5'9" and weighs 124 pounds or less, with a BMI of 18.5, they would be considered underweight.
Those who are highly trained athletes may have a high BMI. This is due to the increased muscularity rather than increased body fatness. Muscle weighs more than fat. It's important to remember that BMI is not a direct measurement of body fatness. Rather, it's calculated from an individual's weight, which takes into consideration both fat and muscle. Maintaining a healthy weight can help to boost immune system health and even lower cholesterol.
