How BMI is calculated
According to the NHS web site, BMI is calculated by dividing an grownup’s weight in kilograms by their peak in metres squared.
For instance, should you weigh 70kg (round 11 stone) and are 1.70m (round 5ft 7in) tall, you’re employed out your BMI by:
1. Squaring your peak in metres: 1.70 x 1.70 = 2.89
2. Dividing your weight in kilograms: 70 ÷ 2.89 = 24.22
Your end result will probably be displayed to at least one decimal place, for instance, 24.2.
For most adults, in case your BMI is:
Below 18.5 – you are within the underweight vary
18.5 to 24.9 – you are within the wholesome weight vary
25 to 29.9 – you are within the overweight vary
30 to 39.9 – you are within the overweight vary
40 or above – you are within the severely overweight vary
If you will have an Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African or African-Caribbean household background you may want to make use of a decrease BMI rating to measure overweight and weight problems:
23 to 27.4 – you are within the overweight vary
27.5 or above – you are within the overweight vary
What your end result means:
A better BMI will increase the possibility of growing long-term situations, such as sort 2 diabetes and coronary heart illness.
The BMI calculation is only one measure of well being. It can’t inform the distinction between muscle and fats.
For instance, you probably have a variety of muscle, it’s possible you’ll be classed as overweight or overweight regardless of having low physique fats.
People who’re very muscular, like skilled sportspeople, can have a excessive BMI with out a lot fats.
