Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) measures weight in relation to height. The ranges shown are for adults and should not be used for children. Use the Height-Weight Tables for children. To determine your BMI, simply enter your height and weight where specified below. The calculator will automatically calculate your BMI score.

How to measure height and weight

Height Measurement - If you are not sure how tall you are, then follow these easy steps:

Stand with your head, buttocks, and feet touching a vertical wall. If this is not possible due to large amounts of body fat, simply stand erect, with hands relaxed at your sides. Look forward and keep your head straight and in an upright position. Straighten your spine so that your height is maximized. Have a friend gently lower a ruler down on your head, taking care to keep it horizontal to the floor. Your friend should then mark your height on the wall with a light pencil. Use a measuring tape to determine your height.

Weight Measurement - If you have not had your weight measured in the last month by a health care professional, follow these easy steps to measure your weight at home:

Weight should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or two hours after your last meal. Clothing should be minimal. Shoes should not be worn. Weight fluctuates day-to-day and in females throughout the menstrual cycle. You might want to weigh yourself for three days and use the average weight.

BMI Calculator

Enter your height:     cm                                     inches                                      Enter your weight:                                           kilograms                                     pounds                                      Click when you're ready: Your result:

NOTE: Your browser must support Javascript for the calculator to work.

BMI Category Health Risk Based Solely On BMI Risk Adjusted for the Presence of Co-morbid Conditions and/or Risk Factors Below 18.5 Underweight Low Moderate 18.5-24.9 Healthy Weight Minimal Low 25-29.9 Overweight Moderate High 30-34.9 Obese High Very High 35-39.9 Very Obese Very High Extremely High 40+ Morbid Obesity Extremely High Extremely High

On the BMI table above, find your score and the health risk for which it is assessed. For example, a BMI score of 18.5 - 25 is associated with the lowest health risk based solely on BMI scores. If your score is 25 - 30, you are considered to be at increased risk for health problems that are negatively impacted by obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol or hypertension. BMI above 30 places you at higher health risks. Exceptions to a high BMI score include competitive athletes and body builders, whose BMI is high due to increased muscle mass, and women who are pregnant or lactating. The BMI is also not intended for use in measuring growing children or frail, elderly individuals.

Why is BMI Important?

If your BMI is high, you may have an increased risk of developing certain diseases, including:

High blood pressure Heart disease High blood cholesterol Diabetes Stroke Certain types of cancer Arthritis Breathing problems

Prevention of further weight gain is important and weight reduction is desirable.

What is a co-morbid condition or other risks factors for chronic diseases?

Co-morbidity is any condition associated with obesity that usually worsens as the degree of obesity increases and often improves as obesity is successfully treated. The more of the risk factors from the following list that you have, the more likely you are to benefit from weight loss if you are overweight or obese*:

Do you have a personal or family history of heart disease? Are you male over 45 years or a postmenopausal female? Do you smoke cigarettes? Do you have a sedentary lifestyle? Has your doctor told you that you have high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids (high cholesterol, low HDL, high triglyceride), or diabetes?

* Source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2000

Improving Your Health:

Weight reduction is an important way to reduce your BMI and improve your overall health. Even a modest 5% reduction from your current weight is beneficial to your health. For instance, a 5' 2" female who weighs 150 pounds (BMI=27), can improve her health by losing as little as seven pounds, reducing her BMI to 26.

Tipping The Scales In Your Favor:

The Energy Balance Equation is the key factor in the weight loss/weight gain puzzle. In other words - if you consistently consume more energy (calories) than you use up, you will gain weight and the reverse is also true, burning more energy (calories) than you consume will cause weight reduction. It's really as simple as that!

Remember These Tips:

Set Realistic Goals The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to balance the foods you eat with daily physical activity. Eat a healthy diet and get the recommended 30 minutes or more of daily physical activity. Develop healthy habits, since permanent changes will lead to a lifetime of better health.