The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used tool to assess whether a person has a healthy weight in relation to their height. It is calculated using a simple mathematical formula that provides an estimate of the amount of body fat. Calculating BMI is a useful initial step to determine if a person falls within an appropriate weight range or if there is a risk of weight-related health issues.
The formula to calculate BMI is as follows:
BMI=Height(m)2/Weight(kg)
To calculate your BMI, follow these steps:
Get your weight in kilograms (kg): Weigh yourself on a scale and ensure the measurement is in kilograms (kg).
Measure your height in meters: Use a height measurement tool to obtain your height in meters (m).
Apply the formula: Divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.
Once you've calculated your BMI, you can interpret the result based on the following general categories:
Underweight: BMI below 18.5
Healthy weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
Obesity: BMI of 30 or more
Next up, you can use a free online BMI calculator with pounds/feet