BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It's a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to determine if you're in a healthy weight range. The basic formula divides your weight by your height squared.
Let's learn how to calculate BMI using metric units. First, measure your weight in kilograms and your height in meters. Then square your height by multiplying it by itself. Finally, divide your weight by the squared height. For example, if you weigh 70 kilograms and are 1.75 meters tall, your BMI would be 70 divided by 1.75 squared, which equals 22.9.
For imperial units, the process is similar but includes an extra step. Measure your weight in pounds and height in inches. Square your height, then divide your weight by the squared height. The key difference is multiplying the result by 703 to get the correct BMI value. For example, someone weighing 154 pounds and 69 inches tall would have a BMI of 22.7.
BMI results are categorized into four main groups. Underweight is below 18.5, normal weight ranges from 18.5 to 24.9, overweight is 25 to 29.9, and obese is 30 or higher. Remember that BMI is just a screening tool and doesn't directly measure body fat or overall health. It's important to consult with healthcare professionals for a complete health assessment.
To summarize what we've learned: BMI is calculated using weight divided by height squared. For metric units, divide weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. For imperial units, divide weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiply by 703. BMI categories help assess healthy weight ranges, but always consult healthcare professionals for a complete health assessment.