How to Determine Your BMI(Body Mass Index)

The Body Mass Index (BMI) was developed by Belgium statistician named Adolphe Quelet. BMI is also referred to as 'body mass indicator'. BMI is an internationally used measure of weight status. Although it does not measure a person's percentage of body fat, it may be a useful tool to estimate a healthy body weight based on a person's height.
BMI is one of the most widely used measures for identifying weight problems within a population.

Instructions

• 1

  YOUR WEIGHT AND HEIGHT. Determine your weight (in pounds) and your height (in inches) and plug them into this formula:
  (weight x 703) / height

  The result is your BMI.

• 2

  YOUR BMI WEIGHT STATUS.

  If your BMI is below 18.5, you're considered underweight.
  If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9, you're considered normal weight.
  If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you're considered overweight .
  If your BMI is above 29.9, you're considered obese.

  The above weight status categories have been determined from the US Department of Health & Human Services.

  The ranges of BMI values are valid only as statistical categories when applied to adults, and do not predict health. BMI is calcukated differently for children.

• 3

  SCALES. A special scale can be used to determine your BMI. This type of scale typically uses sensors on your feet to estimate your BMI.