Calculate Body Mass Index: An Overview
Research on obesity has shown that a person's level of body fat could be measured using a calculation called
body mass index (
BMI). BMI does not measure body fat directly but correlates closely to direct measures of body fat.
The only measurements needed to calculate body mass index are a person's height and weight. Because of the simplicity of BMI calculation guidelines, it is an inexpensive and easy tool for physicians and the general public to use as a way to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems
(see Health Effects of Obesity).
Specifics on How to Calculate Body Mass Index
BMI is calculated the same way for both adults and children. The BMI calculation is based on the following formula depending on whether you are using the metric system or the English system.
Metric System
When using the metric system to calculate body mass index, the BMI formula is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (weight (kg) / [height (m)]2).
Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters before you use the formula.
To
calculate BMI, take the weight (kg) and divide it by height (m). Then divide that number once again by height (m).
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