Body Mass Index (BMI)
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Definition
The body mass index (BMI), or Quetelet index, is a statistical measurement which compares a person’s weight and height.
Purpose of BMI
BMI is an alternative method to assess an individual’s body fatness and corresponding health.
History of BMI
BMI was roughly invented between 1830 and 1850 by the Belgian polymath Adolphe Quetelet during the course of developing "social physics". It became popular in the 1950’s and 1960’s due to an increase in obesity.
How to calculate your BMI
The following are the most widely accepted methods for calculating your Body Mass Index (BMI).
- BMI Formulas
- BMI Charts
- BMI Calculator
- Bioeletrical Impedance Analyzer
BMI Formula using Pounds and Inches
Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703
Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.
Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5′5″ (65″)
Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96
BMI Formula using the Metric System
Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters.
Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m)
Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98
Health Concerns
The guidelines recommend weight loss for people who are considered obese (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or those who are overweight (BMI of 25 to 29.9) and have two or more risk factors.
What does your BMI score mean?
Underweight
Below 18.5
Normal18.5 - 24.9
Overweight25.0 - 29.9
Obesity30.0 and Above
BMI Calculator
- Standard and Metric BMI Calculators
The convenience right at your fingertips.
BMI Chart
- BMI Chart
A quick and easy method to figuring out your BMI. But charts are usually based on a standard weight and height.
Bioelectrical Impedence Analyzer (BIA)
This method measures electrical signals as they pass through the fat, lean mass, and water in the body. They can be handheld or a scale.
An undetectably low voltage is sent into the body usually via hands or feet. Since fat is a very poor conductor of electricity, a lot of fat will impede the current more so than a lot of lean tissue. By measuring the resistance to the current, the machine estimates the percent body fat.
This machine also shows results for BMI based on the information you entered before the sending of low voltage.
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Problems using BMI
BMI is not the most accurate method of body composition. The following is a list of discrepancies with BMI.
- At the same BMI, women tend to have more body fat than men.
- At the same BMI, older people, on average, tend to have more body fat than younger adults.
- Highly trained athletes may have a high BMI because of increased muscularity rather than increased body fatness.
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Sufidreamer says:
6 months ago
Good work - a very informative Hub. Only 83 more to go!