About BMI for Adults


What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is a fairly reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA).1, 2 BMI can be considered an alternative for direct measures of body fat. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

How is BMI used?

BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, BMI is not a diagnostic tool. For example, a person may have a high BMI. However, to determine if excess weight is a health risk, a healthcare provider would need to perform further assessments. These assessments might include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings.

What are some of the other ways to measure obesity? Why doesn't CDC use those to determine overweight and obesity among the general public?

Other methods to measure body fatness include skinfold thickness measurements (with calipers), underwater weighing, bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and isotope dilution. However, these methods are not always readily available, and they are either expensive or need highly trained personnel. Furthermore, many of these methods can be difficult to standardize across observers or machines, complicating comparisons across studies and time periods.

How is BMI calculated and interpreted?

Calculation of BMI 
BMI is calculated the same way for both adults and children. The calculation is based on the following formulas:
Measurement Units
Formula and Calculation
Kilograms and meters (or centimeters)Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters.
Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m)
Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98
Pounds and inchesFormula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703
Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.
Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5'5" (65")
Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96

Interpretation of BMI for adults

For adults 20 years old and older, BMI is interpreted using standard weight status categories that are the same for all ages and for both men and women. For children and teens, on the other hand, the interpretation of BMI is both age- and sex-specific.
For more information about interpretation for children and teens, visit Child and Teen BMI Calculator.


The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the following table.
BMI
Weight Status
Below 18.5Underweight
18.5 – 24.9Normal
25.0 – 29.9Overweight
30.0 and AboveObese
For example, here are the weight ranges, the corresponding BMI ranges, and the weight status categories for a sample height.
Height
Weight Range
BMI
Weight Status
5' 9"124 lbs or lessBelow 18.5Underweight
125 lbs to 168 lbs18.5 to 24.9Normal
169 lbs to 202 lbs25.0 to 29.9Overweight
203 lbs or more30 or higherObese

Is BMI interpreted the same way for children and teens as it is for adults?

Although the BMI number is calculated the same way for children and adults, the criteria used to interpret the meaning of the BMI number for children and teens are different from those used for adults. For children and teens, BMI age- and sex-specific percentiles are used for two reasons:
  • The amount of body fat changes with age.
  • The amount of body fat differs between girls and boys.
Because of these factors, the interpretation of BMI is both age- and sex-specific for children and teens. The CDC BMI-for-age growth charts take into account these differences and allow translation of a BMI number into a percentile for a child's sex and age.
For adults, on the other hand, BMI is interpreted through categories that are not dependent on sex or age.

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  3. its your body mass index, you can go on this website, type in ur weight and height, and will tell u yours BMI calculator
    once knowing your bmi, you can see if u are too thin / over obease e.c.t

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  4. That was really helpful information about BMI :

    You can also check more information about BMI at : https://bmiwiki.com/bmi/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Body Mass Index is a simple calculation using a person’s height and weight. The BMI Calculator formula is: BMI = Kg / (m)2. Here are the standard BMI ranges

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