The term Body Mass Index or ‘BMI' is often used to compare a person's own (BMI value) weight status to the general population. Body mass index or BMI can be used as a means of standardization across cultural or time period variations. From these evaluations, multiple conclusions may be drawn.
Calculating the body mass index or BMI is one of the best methods for population assessment of overweight and obesity. It allows conclusions (like risks) to be made based upon how a person ‘measures' out compared to the general population. As a person's body mass index or BMI increases, the risk for many diseases increases as well.
Simply put, body mass index or BMI is a number that shows body weight adjusted for height. Body mass index or BMI can be calculated using a simple math equation. The only information required to calculate a person's BMI are height, weight, and the BMI formula.
Body Mass Index Formula
Depending on which scale is used, it can either be measured using inches and pounds, or meters and kilograms.
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BMI = (
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Weight in Pounds
(Height in inches) x (Height in inches)
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) x 703
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or
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BMI =
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Weight in Kilograms
(Height in Meters) x (Height in Meters)
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For adults, the use of body mass index or BMI to define overweight does not depend on age or gender. For the purposes of this equation, people 20 years or older are considered adults.
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