Body Mass Index or BMI

The Body Mass Index or (BMI) is a way of calculating your weight to height ratio. The actual calculation is your weight (in pounds or kilograms) divided by height (in feet/inches or meters) squared. BMI can be divided into several categories and generally the higher your BMI, the greater your risk of a large range of medical problems.

A little history lesson. Somewhere around 1830 and 1850 BMI was developed by the Belgian polymath Adolphe Quetelet. So it is also known as the Quetelet index, although no one refers to it as that any more.

The calculator provided below is for adults only and is an estimate or starting point to access your overall health. Calculation inaccuracies can occur if you’re an athlete or very muscular. This can result in a higher BMI, even if you have a healthy body fat level. The BMI calculation is not appropriate for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Since BMI is based on height and weight, losing weight will reduce your overall score and put you into a lower risk group. Maintaining a well balanced diet and exercise plan is essential for a healthy lifestyle. Applying the KISS method (Keep It Simple Stupid), by learning to balance caloric intake (food) with calorie burn (activity & exercise) is essential.

To become more healthy and enhance your BMI score, any diet which includes nutritionally balanced meals will work if you’re motivated. Diets consisting of low fat, high fiber are best, but any diet where calories are reduced by simply reducing portion size will work. The goal of a weight loss program is to take in fewer calories than what is being burned. In General, to lose 1 pound per week, you need to consume 500 calories less every day.

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