Weight/Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number that doctors use to help determine your weight status (underweight, ideal weight, overweight, and obese).  In other words, it is a method to estimate body fat.  You, too, can use this number to get an idea of how you are doing with your weight.  The number is actually the result of a calculation that involves your height and weight—in this way, it gives an idea of what your weight should be based on your height.  You can use this handy BMI calculator to find out what yours is.  This method of weight assessment is not perfect—the calculation does not consider your body type (frame) or muscle build.  This particular calculator is better than most because it allows you to input a very precise height and weight.  It also asks you your date of birth and the date that you are using it so that it can figure out how old you are.  For this calculator, you use feet/inches and pounds, while on others you use centimeters and kilograms—watch for this if you use another BMI calculator.  If you were born before 1987, click here for an adult BMI calculator.

 

The calculators and many of the other links on this site are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  They also have a lot of useful information on how to interpret BMI as well as materials on nutrition, exercise, and obesity.  Click here to explore the cdc website.

 

 

BMI interpretation

 

● BMI <18.5=underweight

● Normal weight = 18.5-24.9

● Overweight = 25-29.9

● Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

 

Remember the limitations of BMI.  You must use this number along with other aspects of your health to really determine how healthy your weight is.