Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI 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 can be calculated by following the steps below.

How to calculate BMI using 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 Belgium 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 rule 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, and/or bone loss, it cannot be considered a true form of body fat measurement. Therefore, though 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 own personal body weight and already existing 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 (high blood sugar)
sleep apnea
osteoarthritis and joint issues

It is recommended that you consult a physician when determining weight/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 and/or health risks that may be lurking in your future.

Helen Polaski, Staff Editor

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