BMI

Need to lose weight? How massive is your index? The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used indicator of total body fat.  It is certainly supported by major health organisations.  As it is based on the relationship between your height and weight its simplicity is both a strength and a weakness.  It is a strength because it is easy to calculate (and BMI calculators are readily available on the internet).  It is a weakness in that it can over-estimate body fat for athletes and those of muscular build and under-estimate for the elderly and those who have lost muscle mass.

I wonder if some of the criticism of the Index is based on denial.  When I was at my heaviest I was borderline obese according to the index.  I found this hard to accept.  Me.  Obese.  Never.  A bit overweight maybe.  Although I didn’t set my goal weight with the BMI in mind it turns out my goal weight was equal to a BMI of 23, comfortably inside the Normal range.   A score of 23 was easily achievable for someone of my build.

BMI Table: BMI categories as per the US Department of Health and Human Services

Even if you are suspicious of the above table tracking your BMI as you lose weight can be motivational.  You may wish to use BMI scores as a set of short term goals to track progress to your goal weight.

While I use any of the many BMI calculators on the internet you can also use the following formulas:

BMI Metric Calculation

BMI = weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared = kg / m²

BMI Imperial Calculation

BMI = weight in pounds x 703 divided by height in inches squared

= (lbs x 703) / inches²

All the best, Keith