Body Mass Index
Body Mass Index – Defined and Charted
In addition to knowing our weight and height, it is important to understand our Body Mass Index which is basically the relationship between a person’s height and weight.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the most accurate ways to determine when extra pounds translate into health risks and is becoming the measurement of choice used by healthcare professionals and investigators. Body Mass Index does not directly measure percent of body fat, although higher BMI’s are usually associated with an increase in body fat, and thus excess weight.
The federal government has announced guidelines which create a new definition of a healthy weight — a BMI of 24 or less. A Body Mass Index reading under 20 is considered underweight. Further, a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight. Individuals who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9, and have a waist size of over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women, are considered to be at especially high risk for health problems.
Higher or elevated BMI is an indication of preventable risk that should be checked regularly by consumers and their doctors, just like high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To determine Body Mass Index, multiply weight in pounds by 703. Then divide that result by height in inches squared.
Below is a Body Mass Index Chart that will help you find your Body Mass Index.
