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Body Mass Index (BMI) Calculator
With almost 65% of American adults now classified as overweight, it's clear that slimming down is becoming a chief concern. But before you launch that new exercise program or start a low carb lifestyle, it's important to know the "state of your weight."
Why not take the time and find out just how fit or fat you really are? By calculating your body mass index, (BMI), which takes into account the ratio between your weight and height, you can determine your risk for a weight-related illness. The BMI is based on the ratio of weight to height, squared. Healthy weights usually have a ratio between 20 and 25*. A ratio between 25 and 30 is considered overweight, and over 30 would classify you as obese. Here are the categories:
- Underweight = <18.5
- Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
- Overweight = 25-29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
But what does this mean in everyday terms? Well, if you end up with a BMI of 25 or higher, you may be at risk for various health problems, including: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, low-back pain, skin and psychological disorders, and for women, menstrual disturbances.
However, as this formula was first used back in 1992, the rules have slightly changed, particularly for those over the age of 35. And there are limits. For instance, the BMI scores may overestimate body fat in athletes and others muscular individuals, and in fact, it may be better for some people to be out of the "ideal" range. Also, individuals who have lost muscle mass, such as the elderly, may have an underestimated BMI. Find out your BMI: BMI Calculator
It is also important to remember that it's not just adults who are overweight in this country. In fact, it's estimated that 30.3 percent of children (ages 6-11) are overweight and 15.3 percent are obese. Among adolescents (ages 12-19), 30.4 percent are overweight and 15.5 percent are obese. Unfortunately, there is a proven link that being overweight in childhood and adolescence leads to being overweight in adulthood. You can calculate your child's weight on the BMI Calculator, as well: BMI Calculator
These statistics and levels are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provides the statistical data for the weight status of American children and adolescents. As the CDC avoids the word "obesity," all children and adolescents whose BMI score places them above the 85th percentile on the chart are classified as "overweight." The 85th percentile corresponds to a BMI score of 25. Being at this level is:
- an indicator that children are very likely to have obesity persist into adulthood
- associated with elevated blood pressure and lipids in older adolescents, and also increases their risk of diseases
- a criteria for more aggressive treatment
- a criteria in clinical trials of childhood obesity treatments
*National Blood, Heart and Lung Information Center
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