BMI Calculator
Body mass index (BMI)
is a measurement based on height and weight as it relates to body fat, and can be used to
determine how much risk a person has of developing certain health problems because of his
or her weight. As a point of reference, someone with a BMI of 27 is approximately 20
percent overweight. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk a person has to develop
additional health problems.
To determine your BMI, simply select your height and type in
your weight where specified in the form below. The calculator will automatically calculate
your BMI score.
On the BMI graph above, find your score and the health risk
for which it is assessed. For example, a BMI score of 20 - 25 is associated with the
lowest health risk based solely on BMI scores. If your score is over 27, you are
considered to be at increased risk for health problems that are negatively impacted by
obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol or hypertension. Exceptions to
a high BMI score include competitive athletes and body builders, whose BMI is high due to
increased muscle mass, and women who are pregnant or lactating. The BMI is also not
intended for use in measuring growing children or elderly individuals. |