What is BMI?

If you are already on a diet or planning to follow a strict diet in the future, then there are chances that you may have come across the term ‘BMI’. What is BMI? Let’s look at the facts about BMI. Today it is used to determine the ideal weight of a person. BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a method of determining a person’s weight in proportion to his height, though it does not take into account whether a person is small built or built on larger lines.

How does one calculate BMI? It is very simple to calculate the BMI of a person though you may need to use a calculator.

The calculation of BMI includes four basic steps – the first one is to assess the height of a person in inches and then multiply it by itself in other words simply square the height. In the second step, the weight of the person is determined in pounds and then multiplied by seven hundred and three. In the third step, divide the number you get from the second step by the number that you get from the first step. The final step includes the rounding up of the result that is derived in the third step to the nearest whole number and the final result is your BMI. Isn’t that easy!

After you know your BMI, it is easy to figure out if your weight is ideal, if you are underweight or overweight. The scale mentioned here may not be perfect as a few people may have a large body type when compared to others. Such people may have a BMI that is slightly higher but this does not mean that they are overweight.

BMI Scale:

BMI which is under 15 …….. Starvation

BMI 15 to 18 ………………. Underweight

BMI 18.5 to 25 ……………… Ideal Weight

BMI 25 to 30 ………………. Overweight

BMI 30 to 40 ………………. Obese

BMI which is over 40 ………. Morbidly Obese

If you’ve calculated your BMI, you will be able to know where you stand in terms of your weight. You must remember that BMI does not take into consideration the different body types or the amount of muscle. Hence people who have a muscular body will show a higher BMI than the others. People who are older with lower muscle mass may be overweight and their BMI could be low.

If you find it difficult to determine the category you fall under then you may opt for other methods to check your weight. Following a fitness regime by exercising and dieting may help you look and feel better but it will not bring down your BMI and this is because fat is replaced by muscle so in such cases it is easier to measure your declining waistline.

Body Mass Index is a good way to measure the ideal weight for a given height, though it must be remembered that it is not the most perfect method. When you calculate BMI, keep in mind that there could be other factors that come into play where the ‘right weight’ is concerned.