Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the standard medical method of assessing healthy weight, overweight and obesity. It uses height and weight data. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. The BMI formula is:

BMI = Your Weight (kilos) divided by Your Height (Meters) x Your Height (Meters)

Interpreting Your BMI

• If your BMI is 19 to 24.9 you have a healthy weight.
• If your BMI is 25 to 29.9 you are considered to be overweight and may incur moderate health risks.
• If your BMI is 30+ you are considered to be obese. Obesity is linked to increased risk of cancer, heart disease and other health problems.
• If your BMI is 35+ and you have a waist size of over 40 inches (men) and 35 inches (women) you are considered to be at especially high risk for health problems.
• If your BMI is 40+ you are considered to be seriously obese and at a very serious risk of health problems

Note: Above BMI 25, the higher the BMI, the greater the risk of developing additional health problems.

Body Mass Index Chart

How to Use the Body Mass Index Chart

Find the intersection between your weight in pounds (top row) and height (left hand column). The number located at the intersection is your BMI number.