Calculate My BMI

Calculate My Bmi

BMI are initials that stand for body mass index. The index refers to a number that compares an individuals weight and height. It is by far the most accurate way to determine weight status that people can easily check themselves without the help of professionals. Depending on the number, people may be healthy, underweight, overweight, or clinically obese. The figures are not absolutely correct in every case because some bodybuilders may weigh more due to muscle mass. Other factors can also throw off the results, but the BMI is the simplest and most accurate tool people can use short of seeing a doctor.

It is easy to check your body mass index by going online and conducting a search with the phrase "calculate my BMI". The spreadsheet widgets require you to insert your height and weight in the proper boxes and click on the calculate button. Many websites offer these convenient BMI calculators. You can also calculate the figure yourself with this formula

BMI (Height in Pounds) divided by (Height in Inches Squared)
Multiply the decimal answer X 703
The answer is your BMI

For the metric system use the following formula.

BMI (Height in Kilograms) divided by (Height in Meters Squared)
The answer is your BMI

How to Interpret Body Mass Index

The number you get when you have made the calculations is a good indicator of your bodys fat. It takes very expensive scientific equipment or specialized testing to get a more accurate reading. The following chart shows how the numbers are interpreted.

Less than 18 You are underweight.
Less than 18.5 You are thin for your height compared to most people.
Between 18.6 and 24.9 This range is generally healthy.
Between 25 and 29.9 You are overweight for your height and should consider diet or exercise.
30 or more You are clinically obese and are at risk for heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other serious medical problems.

BMI is a diagnostic tool that is easy for anyone to use. Self-diagnosis does not take the place of a physicians advice. Many underweight people with small frames are quite healthy. Short bodybuilders may rate in the overweight category of the index when they are very healthy. BMI is only a guideline.

People who are seriously overweight risk many health problems. Maintaining healthy body weight is the most effective way for you to increase life expectancy and enjoy quality of life. There are even financial incentives. A recent study by the Center for Disease Control discovered that overweight people spent nearly a thousand dollars more, on average, for health care each year than healthy individuals.

Proper nutrition and exercise are the best way to manage weight in a sustainable manner. Fad diets and miracle pills will not accomplish the job they may result in some initial loss, but the weight will be quickly regained since these diets cannot be followed indefinitely.

The first step in weight management is to avoid additional weight gain. Weight loss of 10 percent can make a significant difference in your risk for high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.