Body Mass Index Formula

BMI (Body Mass Index) is the measurement of body fat based on the relation between a persons length and weight. What is the definition of body mass index? It is a standardized estimate of an individual’s relative body fat calculated from his or her height and weight.

Body Mass Index can be used for men as well as woman. It is international accepted and is considered as a reliable method of measuring body fat. This method have some limitations that should be considered. The limitations are:

• In muscular people BMI may overestimate body fat.
• In people with reduced muscle mass BMI may underestimate body fat.

If you want to determine your BMI you can easily use an online BMI calculator. Many websites have online BMI calculators where you just complete you height and weight and your BMI is calculated.

If you want to know how exactly Body Mass Index is calculated, here is the exact mathematical formula that is used to calculate BMI:

English BMI Formula BMI = (Weight in Pounds / (Height in inches) x (Height in inches) ) x 703
Metric BMI Formula BMI = (Weight in Kilograms / (Height in Meters) x (Height in Meters))

The four categories of the BMI Index:

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

How knowing your Body Mass Index can save your life

Your BMI gives you an indication of your total body fat and shows if you are obese or not. There are several serious health risk related to obesity and obesity is considered in many countries as one of the leading causes of death! Some of the various serious diseases that can be caused by obesity are:

• Coronary heart disease
• Respiratory problems
• Hypertension
• Gallbladder disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Strokes
• Osteoarthritis
• Sleep disorders
• Breast, prostate, and colon cancers
• Dyslipidemia

Knowing you BMI is important as it give you a warning that you are overweight or obese and have serious risks to your health that you should address immediately. You can start by making changes to a healthier lifestyle and by starting with a diet suitable to your circumstances and health. Knowing your BMI and acting on it can save your life!

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