Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement used to calculate body fat levels in adults. This measurement is based on both height and weight and you calculate body mass index by following the steps below.
How to calculate BMI
Use the following example:
Height: 5'7" (67 inches)
Weight: 150
Multiply weight by 705 (150 x 705 = 105750)
Divide 105750 by your height in inches (105750 / 67 = 1578.3582089)
Divide your answer (1578.3582089) by your height in inches (67) again (1578.3582089 / 67 = 23.55758520)
Rounded off to the nearest 10th (BMI is 23.5)
The BMI formula, used as a means to measure obesity, was developed by Adolphe Quelet, a Belgian statistician (1796-1874). In recent years, BMI has become very popular and is now an internationally used method of measuring obesity as well as measuring underweight adults, as noted in the recent controversy over fashion models and whether they should be allowed on the catwalk with a BMI that is lower than 18.
Body Mass Index (BMI) general rules of thumb:
BMI of 18.5 or below is considered underweight.
BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy.
BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
BMI of 30 or above is considered obese.
BMI is not a form of weight measurement used on babies, children, pregnant or nursing women, senior citizens or muscular individuals, such as athletes. Additionally, because BMI cannot differentiate between fat, muscle, organs or bone loss, it cannot be considered a true form of body-fat measurement. Therefore, although BMI is considered a good indicator of whether a person is overweight or not, it is best to consult a physician to determine your own personal health risks based on your body weight and health risk factors.
Additionally, regardless of outside influences or family health history, extra weight and obesity can put an individual at higher risk for several health issues, including but not limited to:
High blood pressure
Heart disease, including stroke, and other organ disease
Some types of cancer
Type 2 diabetes
Sleep apnea
Osteoarthritis and joint issues
It is recommended that you consult a physician when determining your weight and health risks. Measuring your body mass index (BMI) alone is not sufficient when searching for a clear picture of your own personal healthy weight range or health risks that may be lurking in your future.
 | Your body mass index acts a general guideline for how healthy your weight is and your risks for developing weight-related health issues. |
 | While body mass index measurements are often found to be relative, it is still recommended that people learn how to calculate BMIM and strive to reach a healthy level to prevent health issues. |
 | Why is getting a healthy BMI a better way to gauge your weight and fitness? There are countless charts out there to help women determine what their ideal weight should be, but they tend to be inaccurate and don't take muscle mass and bone structure into consideration. |
While exposure to atmospheric ozone is known to create a temporary drop in lung function, for the first time researchers have connected the BMI of the person to how he is affected by ozone exposure. |
While we know quite a bit about neighborhoods and their relationship to disease, not much is known about the relationship between the neighborhoods you live in and how your body mass index may be affected. |
