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BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a numerical value calculated using a person's weight and height. It is commonly used as a general indicator of whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height.
To calculate BMI, you need two pieces of information: weight and height. Here's how to calculate it:
1. Measure your weight in kilograms (kg). If you have your weight in pounds (lbs), you can convert it to kg by dividing the weight in pounds by 2.2046. For example, if your weight is 150 lbs, divide 150 by 2.2046 to get your weight in kg (approximately 68 kg).
2. Measure your height in meters (m). If you have your height in feet (ft) and inches (in), you can convert it to meters by multiplying the height in feet by 0.3048 and adding the height in inches multiplied by 0.0254. For example, if your height is 5 feet 6 inches, convert feet to meters (5 ft * 0.3048) and convert inches to meters (6 in * 0.0254), then add them together to get your height in meters (approximately 1.68 m).
3. Once you have the weight in kg and the height in meters, you can calculate BMI by dividing the weight by the square of the height. The formula is BMI = weight (kg) / height^2 (m^2). For example, if your weight is 68 kg and your height is 1.68 m, you would divide 68 by (1.68 * 1.68) to get your BMI.
After calculating your BMI, the resulting number falls into different categories that indicate your weight status. The categories typically used are:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
- Normal weight: BMI 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI 25 to 29.9
- Obesity: BMI 30 or higher
It's important to note that while BMI provides a general guideline for weight status, it does not take into account other factors such as muscle mass, body composition, or individual health conditions. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation of your weight and overall health.