Do you sometimes feel that your weight is out of control? Maybe you need to shed a few pounds, or maybe you’re curious about whether you’re at a healthy weight. In either case, it’s helpful to know your body mass index (BMI) is helpful. BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
In this article, we’ll discuss the BMI equation and how you can use it to calculate your own BMI. We’ll also provide some insight into what your BMI results may mean for your health.
What Is BMI?
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.
BMI does not measure body fat or muscle mass directly, but it is a reliable indicator of body fatness.
The higher your BMI, the greater your risk for developing obesity-related conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers.
A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of formulas, simply use the BMI calculator by BMIedge.
How To Calculate BMI? The BMI Formula Options
The body mass index (BMI) is a statistical measure of the ratio of a person’s weight to their height. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared.
The BMI formula options for calculating BMI are as follows:
Formula: Weight (kg) / Height (m)² = BMI
For height in inches and weight in pounds, you can try the equation for calculating BMI:
Formula: Weight (LB) / Height (inches)² x 703 = BMI
- Healthy: 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
- Overweight: 25-29.9 kg/m²
- Obese: 30 and over kg/m²
The BMI equation is actually very simple. All you need is your weight in kilograms and your height in meters. You then divide weight by your height. The resulting number is your BMI.
For example, let’s say you weigh 70kg and you are 1.7m tall. To calculate your BMI, you would do the following:
70 ÷ 1.7 = 40.588235…
Your BMI would be 40.6 which puts you in the obese category according to the BMI values and weight categories listed above.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults aged 18 years and over should maintain a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9 to reduce the risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using the BMI formula to calculate your BMI.
- First, BMI is an estimate of body fat and is not a direct measure of body fat.
- Also, BMI may overestimate body fat in people who are very muscular, and it may underestimate body fat in people who have lost a lot of muscle mass (such as people with eating disorders or those who are elderly).
- Finally, BMI calculations do not take into account factors such as age, sex, and ethnicity.
If you are concerned about your weight or BMI, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian for help. They can assess your risk for developing health problems and create a weight loss plan that is right for you.
What Do Your BMI Results Mean?
Now that you know how to calculate your BMI, it’s time to interpret your results. The BMI chart below shows the different categories and what they mean for your health:
- Underweight: A BMI of 18.5 or less is considered underweight. This means that you may be at risk for health problems such as osteoporosis, infertility, and weak immunity. If you are underweight, talk to your doctor about ways to gain weight safely.
- Normal weight: A BMI of 18.5-24.9 is considered a normal weight. This means that you are at a healthy weight and are not at risk for any health problems related to being overweight or obese.
- Overweight: A BMI of 25-29.9 is considered overweight. This means that you may be at risk for health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
- Obese: A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. This means that you are at a very high risk for diseases. If you are obese, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight safely.
Remember, BMI is just one way to assess your health. It’s important to talk to your doctor about your BMI results and whether or not you need to lose weight. They can help you create a healthy weight loss plan that’s right for you.
FAQs
1. What is a Healthy BMI?
The healthy BMI range varies depending on your age and sex. For most adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. However, for older adults or those with a lot of muscle mass, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 may be considered healthy. And for children and teens, the healthy BMI range is different than it is for adults.
To find out what a healthy BMI is for you, you can use our BMI calculator or talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your individual risk factors and create a weight loss plan that’s right for you.
2. How to Lose Weight Safely?
If your BMI is above the healthy range, you may be wondering how to lose weight safely. The best way to lose weight is to make lifestyle changes that you can stick with for the long term. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress.
You can also talk to your doctor about weight loss medications or surgery if you’ve been unable to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone. They can help you assess your individual risk factors and decide if these treatments are right for you.
3. What Are the Health Risks of Being Overweight or Obese?
Being overweight or obese puts you at a higher risk for developing health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. These conditions can lead to serious health complications, such as stroke or heart attack. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight safely for disease control and reach the ideal body weight status.