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Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index Calculator & Chart

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a reliable indicator of total body fat, which is related to the risk of disease and death. BMI is a measure of body weight relative to height. BMI is a tool that is often used to determine if a person is at a healthy weight, overweight, or obese, and whether a person's health is at risk due to his or her weight.

Not everyone who has a BMI in the range labeled "healthy weight" is at his or her most healthy weight. Some may have lots of fat and little muscle.

A BMI above the appropriate weight range is less healthy for many people, but may be fine if you have lots of muscle and little fat.

A BMI below the appropriate weight range may still be ok or it could mean that you are not getting the nutrients your body needs to develop and function at its best.

Your BMI may change over time - depending on where you are in your development - so you may want to track it over a period of months. Your health care provider can help you determine the healthiest weight and BMI for you.

The score of a BMI is valid for both men and women but it does have some limits. The limits are:

• It may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build.
• It may underestimate body fat in older persons and others who have lost muscle mass.

Determining Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

To figure your BMI follow steps 1 through 3, or use the BMI calculator below, or use the Body Mass Index Charts 1 and 2 below.

Example: A person 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing 155 pounds:

• Step 1:
  Multiply your weight in pounds by 703. For example: 155 lbs. x 703 = 108,965
• Step 2:
  Calculate your height in inches squared. For example: 64" x 64" = 4,096
• Step 3:
  Divide the first number by the second number. For example: 108,965 divided by 4,096 = BMI = 26

BMI Categories For Adults

• Underweight = below 18.5
• Normal Weight = 18.5 to 24.9
• Overweight = 25 to 29.9
• Obese = 30 to 39.9
• Extremely Obese 40 or greater

Keep in mind that this does not take into account muscle mass and weight distribution.

See the Body Mass Index Chart 1 and Chart 2 For Adults below ...

Body Mass Index Chart 1 For Adults

To use the chart, find the appropriate height in the left-hand column labeled Height. Move across to a given weight (in pounds). The number at the top of the column is the BMI at that height and weight. Pounds have been rounded off.

Body Mass Index Chart 2 For Adults

The information discussed above is a general overview and does not include all the facts, or include everything there is to know about any medicine and/or products mentioned. Do not use any medicine and/or products without first talking to your doctor. Possible side effects of medications, other than those listed, may occur. Other brand names or generic forms of this medicine may also be available. If you have questions or concerns, or want more information, your doctor or pharmacist has the complete prescribing information about this medicine and possible drug interactions.