To calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI), follow these steps:
1. Measure your weight:
Use a scale to measure your weight in kilograms (kg) or pounds (lbs). Ensure the accuracy of the measurement.
2. Measure your height:
Use a tape measure or height measuring tool to measure your height in meters (m) or feet (ft). Ensure the accuracy of the measurement.
3. Convert height to meters if necessary:
If you measured your height in feet and inches, convert it to meters. One foot is equivalent to 0.3048 meters, and one inch is equivalent to 0.0254 meters. For example, if you are 5 feet 8 inches tall, your height in meters would be 1.73 meters (5 ft x 0.3048 + 8 in x 0.0254 = 1.52 + 0.20 = 1.73 meters).
4. Calculate your BMI:
Use the following formula to calculate your BMI:
BMI = weight (kg) / (height (m) x height (m))
Alternatively, if you prefer to use pounds and inches, you can use the following formula:
BMI = (weight (lbs) / (height (in) x height (in))) x 703
For example, if you weigh 70 kg and your height is 1.73 meters, your BMI would be calculated as follows:
BMI = 70 kg / (1.73 m x 1.73 m) = 23.4
If you weigh 150 lbs and your height is 5 feet 8 inches (68 inches), your BMI would be calculated as follows:
BMI = (150 lbs / (68 in x 68 in)) x 703 = 22.8
5. Interpret your BMI:
Once you have calculated your BMI, you can interpret it using the following categories:
– Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
– Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
– Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
– Obesity: BMI of 30 or higher
It’s important to note that while BMI can be a useful screening tool for assessing weight status, it does not take into account factors such as muscle mass or body composition. For a more comprehensive assessment of your health, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional.