Top 5 things to know about BMI (body mass index)

1. Your BMI is a single number that represents your weight in relation to your height.

This number is determined by the following equation:
703 x [body weight (lbs) / height² (inches)]

BMI calculator

2. BMI does not measure body fat.
However, body fat can be estimated from your BMI.

What should my percent (%) body fat be?
How do body fat scales work?

3. Your BMI is used as a general guideline to categorize you as:

• underweight
• normal weight
• overweight
• obese
  What is obesity?
• extremely/morbidly obese
  What is morbid obesity?

The rationale behind these categories is based on statistics about the rate and presence of obesity related health problems.

What are the health risks of being obese?

4. There is a relationship between BMI and obesity related health problems such as:

• type 2 diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
  What is normal blood pressure?
• high cholesterol
  What is a normal cholesterol level?

In general:

• These health problems (and the risk for these health problems) increase with a BMI of 25 or more.
• Mortality rates from all causes, especially heart disease, increase 50-100% in individuals with a BMI of 30 or more, as compared to those with a normal BMI.

What should my percent (%) body fat be?

5. There can be disadvantages to using the BMI scale:

• Men and women use the same scale and same classifications.
• The BMI scale can misclassify people: individuals may be categorized as overweight or obese, even though they have a normal body fat percent.

If you think you’ve been misclassified, get your body fat percent tested to see if it’s within a normal/healthy range.

How do body fat scales work?

Related Posts

• How to determine your BMI (body mass index)
• What is a healthy weight?
• Top 5 reasons to know your body fat percent (%)
• What is obesity?
• Top 5 benefits of 10,000 steps a day

1-Minute Weight Loss is a program that will help you gradually add movement to things you already do in a way that is easy, realistic, and convenient. Learn more...

Permanent Weight Loss 101 is a 10 step program that will help you achieve permanent weight loss the only way that works. Set small and effective goals, develop a solid plan to achieve your goals, and create the motivation necessary to stick with your plan. Learn more...

Share This Article