BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a numerical value calculated from a person’s weight and height. It’s commonly used as a screening tool to assess whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
Here’s the formula to calculate BMI:
BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) * height (m))
Or, if you prefer to use pounds and inches:
BMI = (weight (lbs) / (height (in) * height (in))) * 703
BMI provides a rough estimate of a person’s body fat based on their weight and height. However, it doesn’t directly measure body fat percentage or distribution of fat. For most adults, BMI correlates with their level of body fat and is used to categorize individuals into different weight categories:
- Underweight: BMI below 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher
- Morbid Obesity BMI of 40 or higher
It’s important to note that BMI is a screening tool, not a diagnostic tool. Factors such as muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition aren’t taken into account with BMI alone. So, while it’s a useful starting point for assessing weight status, it should be interpreted alongside other measures and clinical assessments for a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s health.
