What is BMI and How to Calculate it?

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index measures your weight in relation to your height. It is used to assess overall body fat.

You can calculate your BMI by using this formula:

BMI = weight (pounds) x 703 : height squared (inches)

For example, for someone who is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds, the calculation would look like this:

BMI = (185 x 703) : (65 x 65) = 135050 : 4225 = 31.96 or BMI = 31.96 which is higher than the normal BMI.

What is BMI normal range?

Normal BMI = 18.5 to 24.9

A person with BMI in this range is considered to be in the healthy range. A person with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and a person with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.

Although BMI can be used for most men and women, it does have some limits:

1. Because BMI does not show the difference between fat and muscle, people with a large muscle mass like athletes or body builders may have a BMI in the obese range.

2. BMI also may not accurately reflect body fat in people who are less than 5 feet or in older people, who tend to lose muscle mass as they age.

3. BMI does not accurately predict health problems because it shows the overall body fat while the greatest risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes is associated with the fat around the waist.

4. Regardless of its limitations, BMI is a reliable way to assess your weight range and get an idea if your weight is putting your health at risk.

Copyright Dr. Nelly Stoyanova

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Author's bio: Dr. Nelly Stoyanova is a physician, medical researcher and health behavior expert. She studies the effects of stress on heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep. Her website: Belly Fat, Stress and Baby Boomers (http://www.stress-fat-heart-solutions-for-boomers.com) evaluates sources of stress for people over 50 and provides great tips to balance your day-to-day stress and stay healthy. Turn your life around and benefit from her expertise. For individual guidance sessions or to schedule a public speaking event use the Contact page or email at drnstoyanova@gmail.com

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