Your Body Mass Index , or BMI, is a useful number for you to know, just like your cholesterol or blood pressure levels. It is calculated as weight (in kilograms) divided by height squared (in meters). BMI provides information about the health risks of your body weight. BMI may, however, overestimate fatness in people who are muscular or athletic.
BMI |
Weight Status |
Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
18.5 – 24.9 |
Normal |
25.0 – 29.9 |
Overweight |
30.0 and Above |
Obese |
|
BMI correlates with body fat. The relation between fatness and BMI differs with age and gender. For example, women are more likely to have a higher percentage body fat than men for the same BMI. On average, older people may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.
What is ideal body weight?
One estimate: 5 ft. = 100 pounds. Add 5 pounds per inch over 5 ft. Note: there could be a 10-20% difference depending on your body frame and build (muscular).