What is BMI? What does it Mean?

Q: What is BMI?

A: Today, obesity is most often measured by using a mathematical formula called a Body Mass Index. BMI can be determined by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and then multiplying by 705. For example, a woman who is 5'6" and weighs 190 would have a BMI of 31.

Height of 5'6" = 66 inches 66 squared = 4,356 190 divided by 4,356 = 0.0436 0.0436 x 705 = 30.75 (which would be rounded up to a BMI of 31)

Note: This calculation is based on the formula example from: The Calorie Council

Q: What does my BMI mean?

A:

• An individual is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18.5.
• A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a "normal" weight.
• A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
• Individuals who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9 begin having some health risk concerns. Specifically those who have a waist size of more than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women, have a higher risk for obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• A BMI of 30 or more qualifies as individual as obese.
• A BMI over 40 indicates that a person is morbidly obese.

Assess Your BMI

Body Mass Index

BMI can be determined by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and then multiplying by 705.

For example, a woman who is 5'6" and weighs 190 would have a BMI of 31.

Height of 5'6" = 66 inches
66 squared = 4,356
190 divided by 4,356 = 0.0436
0.0436 x 705 = 30.75 (which would be rounded up to a BMI of 31)

What Does it Mean?

The following applies for adults 20 years of age and older:

• An individual is considered underweight if their BMI is less than 18.5.
• A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered a "normal" weight.
• A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight.
• Individuals who fall into the BMI range of 25 to 34.9 begin having some health risk concerns. Specifically those who have a waist size of more than 40 inches for men, or 35 inches for women, have a higher risk for obesity-related health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
• A BMI of 30 or more qualifies as individual as obese.
• A BMI over 40 indicates that a person is morbidly obese.
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