BMI Basics

Understanding Body Mass Index (BMI)

The body mass index (BMI) is a helpful tool for determining if you are at a healthy weight. It is a single number based on the ratio of your weight to your height. An ideal BMI is less than 25. Because muscle and bone are denser than fat, an athletic or muscular person may have a high BMI, but not be overweight or obese.

There are four categories of BMI:

Underweight = less than 18.5

Normal weight = 18.5 to 24.9

Overweight = 25 to 29.9

Obese = 30 or greater

You can use the chart here to find out your BMI.

FORMULA FOR DETERMINING YOUR CURRENT BODY WEIGHT AND IDEAL BODY WEIGHT

To determine your ideal body weight (IBW):

The first 5 feet of your total height = 100 pounds

For every inch over the first 5 feet add 5 pounds

Your IBW should be within a plus/minus 10-pound range.

For example: A woman who is 5 foot 4:

5 feet = 100 pounds

4 inches × 5 pounds per inch = 20 pounds

100 + 20 = 120 pounds

Plus or minus 10-pound range: 110 to 130 pounds (average 120 pounds)

To convert pounds to kilograms, divide by 2.2

For example: 120 pounds divided by 2.2 = 55 kilograms

Plus or minus 10-pound range: 50 to 59 kilograms