Body Mass Index – How Does Your Body Mass Measure Up?
Research has made it very clear that being overweight equals increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses. One of the easiest ways to measure whether you’re at risk is to calculate your body mass index (BMI).
BMI is a number calculated from a person’s weight and height. Please take a moment and calculate your BMI right now, because knowing your BMI will give you a good sense of whether you’re at a healthy weight.
BMI = weight (lbs) divided by height (in.), divided by height (in.) x 703
For example, if your weight is 185 lbs and you are 5′7″ (67 in.), your BMI equals 29:
185 divided by 67 divided by 67 x 703 = 29
BMI Categories:
Underweight = <18 .5="">
Normal weight = 18.5 - 24.9
Overweight = 25 - 29.9
Obese = >30
In our example, the individual that weighs 185 pounds at 5′7″ is considered overweight.
Now, don’t get hung up on the categories and whether or not you’re considered overweight or obese. The reason you subscribe to this newsletter is to learn what changes you need to make in order to be healthy and lose weight. Part of this is looking at reality (even if it’s not pretty!) and taking a positive step forward to get where you want to be.
So, compare your BMI with what’s considered normal and healthy. The most recent BMI study completed on more than 1 million Americans in 1999 revealed the healthiest BMI’s for men to be between 23.5 to 25.0 and for women between 22.0 to 23.5.
If you have a BMI greater than 25, you can lose weight and lower your BMI through healthy food choices and physical activity to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and other diseases.
Sign up for a
Mini Diet Makeover with Real Living Nutrition dietitian Lisa Nelson to receive guidance on where to start and what steps you need to take to see results.
