How to Calculate BMI

Wondering how to calculate BMI? You've come to the right place! Here's a simple BMI calculator:

The BMI Calculator

Calculating BMI - the results

This calculation give you two important results:

1. Your actual BMI index.

2. An assessment as to your present BMI classification: Underweight, Desirable, Obese, and so on.

If you are of average build, then this assessment should be accurate for you. If you are very muscular or not of European origin then you need to take these variations into account when calculating BMI.

Understanding BMI

It's one thing to know how to calculate BMI but let's get some understanding of what BMI is:

The current BMI was established as an assessment tool by the U.S. National Institute of Health in 1998.

Going back to the 1950's, BMI was promoted in the United States as a weight classification indicator: overweight, underweight and so on. First used in the 1800's, BMI was designed as a tool to assess weight in relation to height.

This is why typical North American BMI classifications applies to adults of average "European" build - not weight lifters, Asians or children. (Asians use a modified BMI scale.)

Is BMI a Valid Measurement?

The core foundation of BMI is that there is a relation between excess weight - as indicated by "BMI" and poor health including:

- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Strokes

This is a pretty damming list of disease related to percentage of body fat, and it's percentage of body fat that BMI seeks to represent.

However, BMI does not adjust for individual characteristics like bone or muscle mass. BMI does not specifically measure abdominal fat which is now associated with specific diseases and risks.

BMI Calculation - an assessment

Use BMI as an assessment tool, and then seek personal advice from your physician and other fitness professionals to confirm your BMI results.

Make a fitness plan that addresses both diet and exercise. Run, cross train, and make a fitness plan you can enjoy. These are the positive activities that will get your BMI into the "Optimal" range!

That's how to calculate BMI! And don't forget...