Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is the abbreviation for body mass index.

Body mass index is a way of estimating whether a person is overweight or not.

It is really very simple. All you need to do is know how tall you are and how much you weigh. You plug your weight and height into a formula and you get a number. And that number gives you an idea if you are overweight.

The formula may look a little complicated, but if you use a calculator the math is not hard.

If you use pounds and inches the formula is:

BMI = (Weight in Pounds) / (Height in inches) x (Height in inches) x 703

If you use kilograms and meters the formula is:

So what does the number mean?

If your BMI is 18.5-24.9 your weight is normal. This is considered healthy.

If your BMI is 25.0-29.9 you are considered overweight. There are some health risks.

If your BMI is over 30 you are considered obese. There are many health risks, including the development of heart disease, diabetes, and bone and joint problems.

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