Body mass index (BMI).
A reliable way to evaluate your weight is to find out what your body mass  index (BMI) is. This figure is produced by calculation and correlation of your weight and height. It indicates, whether a person presents a proper body mass or not.
Although body mass index is a very useful piece of information regarding a person’s weight, it is not accurate in all cases and the relevant tables cannot be considered the ultimate guide for a healthy body weight. This is because, quite often, healthy weight depends on the age, gender, fitness level, physique, skeletal structure and of course, the individual’s muscle mass. However, BMI is still used as an indicator that can give a good image, whether a person is overweight or not. This is very important, because we have to remember that excessive weight results in significant strain on the heart and can result in serious conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, varicose veins and arteriosclerosis which, in turn, can lead to coronary heart disease, stroke and hypertension.
How BMI is calculated.
When the metric system is used, body mass index is calculated by taking the weight of the individual in kilograms and dividing by the square of the height in meters as the formula shows below.
If the weight is measured in pounds (lbs), the height must be in inches, according to the Imperial or English system. In this case, the result must be multiplied by the factor 703 as it is shown in the following formula.
You can use the calculators in this page to find out what your BMI is. Just enter your body weight and your height in the relevant fields and click the "calculate" radio button.
The calculators require a JavaScript-enabled Web browser to operate. Alternately, you can use one of the BMI tables.
If you prefer to use the English system, you can try the calculator below. Enter your body weight roughly in pounds (lbs) and your precise height in feet and inches. The weight figures should be rounded off.
If you know your weight and height in the metric system, you can use the BMI calculator below. Enter your weight in kilos and your height in centimeters. The weight figures should be rounded off.
| METRIC SYSTEM BMI
CALCULATOR
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Use the chart below to see what category you fall into and whether you need to be concerned about your weight or not.
| BMI |
STATE |
| Less than 18.5 |
Underweight |
| From 18.5 to 24.9 |
Normal |
| From 25.0 to 29.9 |
Overweight |
| From 30.0 to 39.9 |
Obese |
| More than 40 |
Morbidly Obese |
Apparently, in order to be within the "healthy range" on the BMI, your result should be between 18.5 and 24.9. Results either smaller or greater than these values are associated with significant health risks.
Exceptions about body mass index.
Typically, BMI is a reliable source of information, and can indicate whether a person’s physique is in a healthy state or not. However, it can not be a decisive factor for everyone, when it comes to body weight management. This is, because there are some exceptions, as they are presented bellow.
 Athletes, bodybuilders and, in general, very muscular people may have an increased body mass index, since muscle mass, which is heavier than fat represents a higher percentage of the total body weight.
Many experts believe that it is better for elderly people to have their BMI ranging from 25 to 27, in order osteoporosis to be prevented.
Body mass index is not suitable for children. A pediatrician’s advice is necessary. In order a child’s healthy weight to be determined.
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