Body Mass Index (BMI)

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the measure of your weight compared to your height. The calculation is to help determine your classification of your body weight with regards to your height. The categories for BMI are: underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese. Underweight can used interchangeably with anorexia.

Obviously, the ideal category to be in is "Normal Weight." However, this method of measurement is not typically the most accurate for those who are athletic. This is because many athletes have a higher percentage of muscle compared to fat, and with muscle having a higher density than fat, the calculations may not always prove to be completely accurate.

On the other hand, this is the ideal method for everyone else to figure out if they are overweight, obese, normal, or even underweight. Also, by measuring your BMI you may also find some motivation to exercise so that you become fit or even stay fit.

In addition, if you notice that you are borderline between "normal weight" and "overweight" you should highly consider getting a physical exam to make sure that your cholestoral (HDLs and LDLs) are in the normal range as well as your blood pressure. If they are not, it is time for a lifestyle change. This will help guide you to better living. After all, you don't want to find that you could have prevented a disease or illness if you had just gone to the doctor and decided to eat healthier and exercise regularly.

How to calculate:
Your BMI is measured by taking your weight in kilograms and dividing it by your height in meters squared (kg/m²). For conversion, 1 inch is equal to 0.0254 meters and 2.2 pounds is equal to 1 kilogram.

Obese: > 30 BMI (kg/m²)
Overweight: 25.0-29.9 (kg/m²)
Normal Weight: 18.5-24.9 (kg/m²)
Underweight:
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