Body Mass Index

at 1:56 PM

Do you know your shoe size? Do you know your eye color? How about hair color? Okay. Do you know your BMI (body mass index)? You should know this number. It's basically a fraction that shows the proportion of your weight to your height. It is a good way to determine if you need to lose weight. BMI does not measure body fat directly but there is direct correlation between it and body fat. Remember that BMI is a screening tool not a diagnostic one. To calculate your BMI divide your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and then multiply the answer by a conversion factor of 703. This formula is originally in metric, hence the 703 number. If the BMI is 18.5 and below that is considered underweight. Anything from 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal. 25 to 29.9 is overweight and 30 and above is considered obese. Go to http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html for more information.