What is BMI and How Is It Calculated?

Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. It is calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

There are a few limitations to using BMI as a measure of body fat. First, BMI does not take into account muscle mass. People with a lot of muscle mass, such as athletes, may have a high BMI even if they are not overweight or obese. Second, BMI does not take into account body fat distribution. People with excess fat around their waist are at greater risk for health problems than people with excess fat around their hips.

Despite these limitations, BMI is a useful tool for assessing body fat in most people. It is a simple and inexpensive test that can be done at home or at a doctor’s office.

How to Calculate Your BMI

To calculate your BMI, you will need to know your height and weight. You can find your height in meters by dividing your height in inches by 39.37. You can find your weight in kilograms by dividing your weight in pounds by 2.2046.

Once you have your height and weight in meters and kilograms, you can calculate your BMI using the following formula:

BMI = weight in kilograms / height in meters squared

For example, if you are 6 feet tall (182.88 cm) and weigh 180 pounds (81.64 kg), your BMI would be calculated as follows:

BMI = 81.64 kg / (1.8288 m)^2 = 25.2

Interpreting Your BMI

The following table shows the ranges of BMI for adults:

BMI Range	Category
< 18.5	Underweight
18.5–24.9	Normal weight
25–29.9	Overweight
30–34.9	Obese Class I
35–39.9	Obese Class II
≥ 40	Obese Class III

If your BMI is in the overweight or obese range, you are at increased risk for certain health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer. Talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight and improve your health.

How to Lose Weight

If you are overweight or obese, there are a number of things you can do to lose weight and improve your health. These include:

Eating a healthy diet that is low in calories and fat.
Exercising regularly.
Getting enough sleep.
Managing stress.

If you are struggling to lose weight on your own, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a safe and effective weight loss plan.

Conclusion

BMI is a useful tool for assessing body fat in most people. However, it is important to remember that it is not a perfect measure and should be used along with other factors, such as waist circumference, to assess your overall health. If you are overweight or obese, there are a number of things you can do to lose weight and improve your health. Talk to your doctor for more information.