How to Calculate BMI & Calories

Body mass index, BMI, is a calculation used to indicate the amount of fat in a person's body. However, it is not a direct measure of body fat. BMI is often used to indicate if a person is at risk for weight-related problems, such those that may be caused by overweight or obesity. A BMI under 18.5 is considered underweight; between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal; 25 to 29.9 is overweight; and over 30 is obese. Daily caloric intake is based on age, gender and physical activity level. Moderately active men aged 26 to 45 require 2,600 calories each day, and women of the same age and activity level require 2,000 calories each day to maintain their current weight.

Instructions

How To Calculate BMI

• 1

  Weigh yourself in pounds.

• 2

  Measure your height in inches.

• 3

  Divide your weight by your height squared.

• 4

  Multiply the number by 703. The resulting number is your BMI.

How to Calculate Calories

• 5

  Go to the American Cancer Society website, cancer.org. Click on "Stay Healthy," then on "Tools and Calculators." Click on "Read More" under "Calculators," then on "Read More" under "Daily Caloric Needs Calculator."

• 6

  Enter your weight in pounds into the appropriate area. Also select the appropriate gender.

• 7

  Choose your current activity level from those listed. You'll be given the approximate daily calorie requirement for maintaining your current weight.