Calculating Your Body Mass Index (bmi)

The likelihood of being confronted by the ‘ever so popular’ Body Mass Index (BMI) while dieting, or facing obesity and other weight related problems, is immense. Used as a comparative analysis of people with similar heights, Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height, providing a reliable indicator of body fatness. BMI results are categorized, and while mostly used for adults with obesity or diet issues, children and teens with weight problems can also have their Body Mass Index measured. It should be noted that BMI values can vary significantly for different ethnic groups.

The BMI formula used in the metric system, consists of a person’s weight (kilograms) divided by height (meters), then squared. Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2. Imperial system users can calculate their BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and then multiplied by a conversion factor of 703. Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703.

People can use this equation to measure their BMI themselves or have a free, easy-to-use online BMI weight loss calculator do the work for them. Fill in the correct weight and height, click ‘enter’ and the score will instantly be calculated and revealed. Most websites will also explain the outcome, as well as all the different BMI categories.

Underweight people usually have a BMI below 18.5 and probably suffer from malnutrition and other eating disorders. A normal BMI is ranges between 18.5 and 24.9. Overweight people have a BMI between 25 and 29.9, and the BMI of an obese person is over 30. A Body Mass Index higher than 40 points to morbid obesity. BMI does not account for muscle mass, which is heavier than fat, and therefore can give questionable results in competitive athletes, body builders, women who are pregnant or breastfeed, and those who are chronically ill.

Pocket size, portable BMI calculator devices are easy to use and many fitness centers and gyms keep them handy for their members. BMI counters should only be used as a guide as they do not tell you how much fat, lean muscle, bone, and water content a body is composed of. They allow you to determine if your weight, in relation to your height, falls along a healthy range. If the BMI results are too high it may be recommended to consult a medical professional for further in-depth assessments, because the higher the score, the bigger the risk for developing obesity-related diseases and cardiovascular health problems.

Weight charts can be used in addition, or as an alternative to a BMI calculator. These tables are based on body frame size, and can be a better guide to the ideal weight based on height.

By: mihai

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At Australian Lifestyle & Fitness we know that weight management and achieving a healthy BMI can often be difficult and confusing, so our goal is to give you a weight loss plan that will make it easy to achieve a healthy BMI