Body Mass Index (BMI): What Is It?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement of your height vs. your weight. It is a relatively accurate evaluation tool to identify if you are underweight, at a normal weight, overweight or obese and it is useful in identifying whether you are at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
To find your BMI:
Divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared.
Multiply your answer by 703 to get your BMI.
Example. A person who is 165 poundsand is 5'9" (69 inches)
Square the height: (69 x 69)
Divide the weight by that number: 165 / (69 x 69) = .03466
Multiply that number by 703: .03466 x 703 = 24.4
The BMI is 24.4
Now, find where your BMI lands on the scale.
| BMI Classification Risk Stratification | |
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5 to 24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0 to 29.9 | Overweight, increased risk |
| 30.0 to 34.9 | Obese, Class I - High Risk |
| 35.0 to 39.9 | Obese, Class II - Very High Risk |
| 40.0 and above | Obese, Class III - Extremely High Risk |
Please note:
This is a good tool for most people to use. However, it will be inaccurate for people who are very active or who have a large amount of muscle.
For more information, please contact
30 River Park Place West, Suite 340, Fresno, CA 93720
(559) 459-1630 Fax: (559) 459-1710
This information is made possible in part by gift from Cambridge Homes
