How to Compute BMI

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a number that indicates the body's fat level. The number is important because it can be used to determine whether an individual is overweight, or even obese. Being overweight or obese can lead to a range of health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. BMI for adults is measured regardless of gender. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control, among women and men with identical BMI, women tend to carry more body fat. Moreover, older adults tend to have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Scale
• Calculator

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Instructions

• 1

  Measure your height, using the tape measure. The measurement may be more accurate if a friend takes it for you.

• 2

  Determine your weight, using the scale.

• 3

  If you are using the metric system, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters, square.: Example: 62 kg / (1.5 m) squared. In this example, the BMI is 27.5.

• 4

  If you measure your weight in pounds and your height in inches, divide your your weight by your height in inches, squared. Multiply the result by 703. Example: 135 lbs divided by 68 squared x 703 = 20.5

• 5

  Check the result against the BMI table at: http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html#Interpreted. If the figure places you in the overweight or obese category, consult a physician for further testing.