how to calculate bmi
BMI stands for Body Mass Index and is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Here are the steps to calculate BMI:
-
Measure your weight in kilograms (kg) and your height in meters (m). If you don’t know your weight and height in these units, you can use a conversion calculator to convert from pounds and inches to kilograms and meters.
-
Once you have your weight and height measurements in the correct units, calculate your BMI using the formula:
BMI = weight (kg) / height² (m²)
- For example, if you weigh 70 kg and your height is 1.75 meters, your BMI would be calculated as follows:
BMI = 70 / (1.75 x 1.75) = 22.86
- Your BMI number can then be compared to a BMI chart to determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Here are the general categories:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
- Obese: BMI 30 or higher
Keep in mind that BMI is just one measure of health and doesn’t take into account factors like muscle mass or body composition. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice on maintaining a healthy weight.