How to calculate bmi

Calculating BMI (Body Mass Index) is a simple mathematical process that helps assess whether an individual’s weight is appropriate for their height. Here’s the formula and steps to calculate BMI:

1. Formula for BMI: BMI = weight (kg) / height (m)^2
2. Convert Weight to Kilograms (kg): If your weight is in pounds (lbs), divide it by 2.205 to convert it to kilograms.
3. Convert Height to Meters (m): If your height is in inches (in), multiply it by 0.0254 to convert it to meters.
4. Calculate BMI: Once you have your weight in kilograms and height in meters, square the height (multiply it by itself) and then divide the weight by the squared height.
5. Interpret BMI: After calculating your BMI, interpret the result based on the following categories:
   • Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
   • Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
   • Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
   • Obesity: BMI 30 or higher

Here’s a step-by-step example:

Let’s say you weigh 70 kilograms (kg) and your height is 1.75 meters (m).

1. Weight = 70 kg
2. Height = 1.75 m
3. BMI = 70 / (1.75)^2 BMI = 70 / 3.0625 BMI ≈ 22.85

So, in this example, the BMI is approximately 22.85, which falls within the normal weight category.

Remember, while BMI is a useful screening tool, it doesn’t directly measure body fat. Factors such as muscle mass, bone density, and overall body composition aren’t considered in BMI calculations. Therefore, it’s important to interpret BMI results in conjunction with other health indicators and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.