Body Mass Index (BMI)

Learn how to calculate your BMI, or Body Mass Index, and use it as a reference for your healthy weight.

Body Mass Index Male: The body mass index or BMI is used to asses your health relative to your weight. Dr. McPeak: As a physician, we use a score referred to as the body mass index to determine if a person is overweight and if so, how much. Female: Many people come to the center and they do have weight to loose and usually, we do what we call BMI and we address it that way. Male: It is probably useful in describing the majority of North American-Caucasian body built, but it probably underestimates people being overweight or being obese if they are of other ethnic origins, particularly East Indian or Oriental. Female: We are not talking about an ideal weight; we are talking about a healthy weight. Male: BMI is calculated as your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared. Its use is limited only to adults. And remember, it does not take into account increased muscle mass, as seen in some athletes. For youth, BMI applies but it does not have to be related to age-appropriate percentiles. If your BMI reading is between 18.5 and 24.9, you are at a normal weight and at the least risk. If your BMI reading is greater than 24.9, you are an increased risk as you are classed overweight. If your BMI is less than 18.5, you are also at an increased risk. You are classed as underweight.