How Do I Calculate My Body Mass Index

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Body mass index has recently become a beneficial tool in weight management. This article will teach a person,"How do I calculate my body mass index?" All that is required is a calculator, so it can be figured by anyone. The objective measurement provided by the BMI offers a more clear picture of a person‘s dietary needs.

A person can become rapidly overwhelmed by emotion; which can cloud judgment. Its good to be enthusiastic about the health of one’s body, though, the dieter should try to avoid being overly emotional. Learning about BMI and how to apply its information to a healthy diet plan can help with this.

BMI is a ratio of weight to height squared. Divide weight in kilograms, one pound=.454 kilograms, by height in meters squared, one inch=2.54 centimeters.

For example: A person that is 5’7” tall, and weighs 120 pounds would have a BMI of 18.81.

This is how that figure is obtained.

Height: 67 inches x 2.54cm/in=170.18 cm=1.7018m
Height squared: 1.7018 x1.7081=2.896
Weight: 120 pounds x .454kg/lb=54.48 kg

Apply these values to the BMI equation, Divide 54.48 by 2.896 and the result is 18.81.

The following table will help make sense of an otherwise meaningless number.

18.5 and under- underweight
18.51-24.99- Normal
25-29.99-Overweight
30-34.99- Obese Class 1
35-39.99- Obese Class 2
40 and over- Extremely obese

The guidelines provided by the BMI will assist the dieter in choosing the appropriate plan for their needs. Those in the higher ranges should consider the health risks associated with a high BMI. These include, but are not limited to: hypertension, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased risk of diabetes. Consult a doctor for more information.

The BMI is a valuable tool, however its scope is limited. Other factors, such as age, gender and muscle to fat ratio need to be taken into consideration as well. When BMI is applied to stocky athletes, risk can be overstated. As it may be underestimated on the elderly, or others that naturally have less muscle mass. Neither does it allow for the naturally greater fat content found in women‘s bodies.

It is helpful to use waist circumference in combination with BMI. Fat is stored in great quantities around the waist which makes these two numbers work together to clarify a person‘s dietary needs. Men store a greater percentage of fat around the waist than women, but women still store a good deal of fat here. A waist circumference greater than 36 inches for men indicates an enhanced risk for Type II diabetes. A woman with a waist circumference of 31 inches or greater has enhanced risk of type two diabetes.

BMI can be a helpful meter in the determination of the status of one’s health. With the help of BMI and other tools, the proper diet and exercise plan can easily be defined for anyone. Hopefully, this article has answered the question,"How do I calculate my body mass index?"

How Do I Calculate My Body Mass Index
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