Determining Your Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) can be a reliable indicator of total body fat for adult men and women. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, determining your BMI is one of three key measures in assessing your risk for developing obesity-associated diseases.

To automatically calculate your BMI, you can input height-weight information on a variety of Internet sites. Or you can use one of the equations at left.

Though a good indicator, the BMI isn’t perfect. It may overestimate body fat for those with muscular builds or underestimate it for anyone who has experienced muscle mass loss. Your doctor can help you evaluate your BMI and discuss any healthcare concerns you may have.

Weight in pounds (Height in inches)2	x 703	or	Weight in kilograms (Height in meters)2
Example:	Weight = 160 lbs. Height2 = (69 in.)2	x 703 = 23.6 BMI

BMI	Status	BMI	Status
Below 18.5	Underweight	25.0–29.9	Overweight
18.5–24.9	Normal	30.0 and above	Obese