Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an equation that statistically represents a persons body weight compared to their height. It is frequently used to determine if a person is overweight or obese.

Fast Facts

1. Also know as Quetelet Index
2. Founder: Adolphe Quetelet
3. Invented between 1830 and 1850
4. BMI = Mass (kg) / Height² (m²)

Weight Categorized By BMI

1. Underweight: Under 18.5
2. Normal: 18.5-24.9
3. Overweight: 25-29.9
4. Obese: 30.0
5. Morbidly obese: 40.0

BMI Controversy

BMI only assesses people based on their weight and height. Physically fit people who are muscular are frequently categorized as obese. However, tests of these people usually show that are less likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other diseases commonly associated with obesity. People who have a low BMI, meanwhile, may be sedentary and thus more likely to get diseases commonly associated with obesity such as heart disease. In addition, the benchmarks for weight definitions have changed since 2000. Previously, overweight was defined as a BMI over 27.3 for women and 27.8 for men, while obesity was a BMI above 31.1 for men and 32.3 for women.

How To Determine BMI

1. Multiply weight in pounds by 703
2. Divide by height in inches
3. Divide result by height in inches

Example

Jane is five feet, five inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. Jane multiplies her weight by 703, and gets 126,540. She knows that five feet is 60 inches, which means her height is 65 inches. 126,540 divided by 65 is 1,946.7692. She divides 1,946.7692 by 65 and gets 29.950295. Rounded off, Jane's BMI is 30. She is currently obese. If she loses just one pound, she will be categorized as overweight.

Disclaimer

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor to get a proper Body Mass Index (BMI) assessment.

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