We, as the general public, hear the word BMI associated with reports of America’s ever increasing waist line and in regards to height / weight of our children.  But what exactly is BMI?  BMI stands for body mass index.  It is a table that examines one’s body mass (weight) in relation to height.To calculate your BMI, take your weight in pounds and divide it by your height (inches) squared.  Then take this number and multiply it by 703.  Here is an example of someone 180 pounds and 6 feet tall (72 inches).

• (180 / (72 * 72)) = 180 / 5,184 = .0347222
• .034722 * 703 = 24.41 BMI

You can also click here to have your BMI calculated.  So what does that calculated number mean?

• BMI less than 25 is normal, thus above example, person is normal weight for their height.
• BMI of 25 - 29.9 is overweight.
• BMI of 30 or greater is considered obese.
• BMI of 40 or greater is extreme obesity.

BMI, however, does not paint an entirely true picture.  It does have its limitations.  For example, many athletes would be found in the overweight or obese category.  You can have a very muscular well conditioned athlete such as a NFL linebacker whose BMI would be in the overweight category.  We all know this athlete is far from being overweight.  A more accurate number in regards to  evaluating your weight is known as body fat%.  Every person has some body fat; it is needed in order to survive.  however, there is a certain percentage that each male and female has that is considered normal.  Females are known to have a higher percentage in a given age range than their male counterparts.   Body fat can be measured via very expensive equipment such as DEXA scan or MRI or along more practical methods such as skinfolds.  With skinfolds the fat located under the skin (Subcutaneous Fat) is pinched and measured.  Anywhere from 3 to 7 sites can be measured and put into a formula that calculates one’s body fat%.  Thus, that athlete who was considered overweight by the BMI calculation may have a body fat% which is considered very lean.  Please see your family physician or local fitness professional to measure your body fat% along with analyzing your BMI.