The body mass index is a measure of the body fat that is based on the weight and height of an individual. It helps estimate the ideal weight for an individual. This article provides you with a formula to help you calculate your BMI on your own along with its relation to obesity.
A woman’s body goes through many changes throughout her life. The onset of puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, deliveries, miscarriages, or menopause bring about physical and emotional changes in women. During these times, women might become more concerned about their weight and overall physical appearance. They might want to know about the ideal weight according to their height. They shouldn’t refer to any weight calculator, as a calculator that misleads them about the ‘ideal’ weight may adversely affect their self-esteem. So, the best way to determine the ideal weight would be to calculate the ideal weight by using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is an internationally used measure.
What is BMI?
The Body Mass Index formula was developed by a Belgium statistician named Adolphe Quetelet. Initially, it was known as Quetelet formula or Body Mass Indicator. It is a mathematical measurement of body fat that applies to adult men and women, which is based on height and weight calculation.
The formula calculates the body mass index by dividing an individual’s weight in kilograms or pounds by height in meters or inches, squared. This same formula is used to determine the ideal weight for women, as well as men. Here is the formula that you can use to calculate your BMI correctly:
Imperial Formula: This formula accepts weight in pounds and height in inches and feet.
BMI (lb/inches 2) = Weight in pounds/Height in inches 2
Metric Imperial Formula: This formula accepts weight in kilograms and height in either centimeters or meters.
MBI (kg/m2) = Weight in kilograms/Height in meters 2
A BMI chart can also be used for a reference in grading the number derived after calculation.
|
BMI
|
Interpretation
|
| 18.5 – 25 | Normal Weight |
| BMI > 25 | Overweight |
| BMI <18.5 | Underweight |
| BMI > Or = 30 | Obese |
| BMI > Or = 40 | Morbid Obesity |
How to Calculate BMI Manually
There are many online calculators that would help you measure your body mass index, but if you wish to know how to calculate it manually, then you need to follow the instructions given below:
- First, you need to measure your weight using a weighing machine. Note down the weight on a paper. Convert the weight from kilograms into pounds, if you are going to use imperial formula.
- Next, you need to measure your height using a tape. If you are using metric imperial formula, then you have to convert the height from inches to meters.
- Now, put the weight and height values in the appropriate formula, and calculate it using a calculator or on your own.
There is only one significant drawback associated with the formula. Many health experts are of the opinion that the body mass index is not an ideal system to determine obesity, as it does not consider fat percentage, muscle weight, bone structure, and overall constitution of the body. The effectiveness of this formula is open to debate. That is the reason why many doctors advise people to calculate body fat percentage to determine their ideal weight and fitness level.
