Weight Management

Calculating Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a measurement that uses a scientific formula to determine a
person's safest, healthiest weight based upon their weight and height.

The only measurements needed to calculate BMI are a person's height and weight.
Because of this, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-use method of screening for weight
categories that may lead to health problems which include  obesity,  heart disease,  
diabetes,  cancer

BMI is calculated the same way for adults and children. This calculation is based on the
following formulas, depending on whether you are using the metric system or the
English system.
English System
If you're using the English system, the BMI formula is:

Weight in pounds (lbs) divided by height in inches (in) squared and
multiplied by a conversion factor of 703 (weight (lbs) / [height (in)2] x
703).

To calculate BMI:
Take the weight (lbs) and divide it by height (in).
Take the result of that calculation and divide it by height again.
Then, multiply that number by 703.
Round to the second decimal place.

An example of calculating body mass index using the BMI formula:

Weight = 150 lbs
Height = 5'5" (65 inches)

BMI Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96
Metric System
The formula when using this system is:

Weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared
(weight (kg) / [height (m)2]).

Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide
height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters before
you use the formula.

To calculate BMI:
Take the weight (kg) and divide it by height (m).
Then divide that number once again by height (m).
Round to the second decimal place.

An example of calculating BMI using the body mass index
formula:

Height = 165 cm (1.65 m)
Weight = 68 kg

BMI Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98
Sixty-six percent of adults in
the U.S. are overweight or
obese. Achieving a healthy
weight can help you control
your cholesterol, blood
pressure and blood sugar. It
might also help you prevent
weight-related diseases, such
as heart disease, diabetes,
arthritis and some cancers.
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