How BMI should be calculated?
Body mass index (BMI) is calculated according to person’s weight and height (see tables on previous page). BMI equals a person's
weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. (BMI=kg/m2).
BMI is a reliable indicator of body fatness for people. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-
perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
BMI is calculated the same way for both adults and children. The calculation is based on the following
formulas:
Measurement Units |
Formula and Calculation |
Kilograms and meters
(or centimeters) |
Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in
kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Since height
is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in
centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters.
Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m)
Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98 |
Pounds and inches |
Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703
Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in
inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of
703.
Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5’5” (65")
Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96 |
How BMI is interpreted?
BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both
men and women.
The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following
table:
BMI |
Weight Status |
Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
18.5 – 24.9 |
Normal |
25.0 – 29.9 |
Overweight |
30.0 – 39.9 |
Obese |
40.0 and more |
Extreme Obesity |
The following should be considered:
|
At the same BMI, women tend to have more body fat than men. |
|
At the same BMI, older people, on average, tend to have more body fat than younger adults. |
|
Highly trained athletes may have a high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body fatness. |
Check your weight and your BMI using standard BMI tables - see on next page
What are health consequences of overweight and obesity?
Overweight and obese individuals are at increased risk for many diseases and health conditions,
including the following:
|
Hypertension |
|
Dyslipidemia (for example, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high levels of triglycerides) |
|
Type 2 diabetes |
|
Coronary heart disease |
|
Stroke |
|
Gallbladder disease |
Read also about weight and menstrual cycle. And discover very easy and effective diet on next page.
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