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A body mass index, known as BMI in short, is an evidence-based method of calculating a person's body fat based on height and weight. Measuring a person's BMI has become more and more important as one of the shifting focuses of health is keeping people's body fat and weight under control. A person's BMI is calculated by converting a person's weight into kilograms, and dividing the weight by the square of a person's height in meters. The end result is then used to determine how much body fat a person approximately has; in essence, it helps measure how overweight a person is. This formula was derived through empiric studies made on many people in years past.

For adults, a BMI of 18.5 to 25 is considered normal. A BMI of 25 to 30 is considered overweight, and a BMI of 30 or above is considered obese. Children's BMI are compared to other typical BMI values for their age. When trying to calculate BMI values for many people, a BMI calculator can come in very handy. In the US, weight is measured by pounds (lbs) and height is measured by feet and inches. Though the conversion to metric units is fairly straightforward, having to calculate these measurements over and over again can become tedious. Even after the conversions, the BMI still has to be calculated. Using a BMI calculator to take care of the conversions and math makes figuring out BMI values quick and easy.

Note that using a BMI calculator should only be a way to help put together a picture of a patient's overall body size. It alone should not be used to determine if someone is obese. Despite their usefulness in clinical and weight loss measurements, BMI values do have their limitations. For instance, BMI tends to portray body fat higher than actual values for athletes and bodybuilders (due to their increased lean muscle weight), and may give skewed values for people of abnormal height. Still, using a BMI calculator is a handy way of quickly calculating and tracking a person's body fat goals.

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Q: What's So Important About A BMI Calculator?
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Related questions

What instrument measures fat?

Use a measuring tape, and then Google a BMI calculator so you know what part of your body to measure :)


Where can I find a bmi calculator for my heart health?

The web has a ton of BMI calculators out there. The one I personally have used in the past that is pretty accurate can be found at mayoclinic.com, make sure to take your waist measurements and such beforehand so you have all the information you need.


What is the instrument used to measure human weight?

Use a measuring tape, and then google a BMI calculator so you know what part of your body to measure :)


What is the appropriate BMI for a child?

All children are different in BMI. It's important to talk to your child's pediatrician to find out if your child is overweight. If so, your doctor can put her on a nutritional diet.


What information is included on a Body mass index weight loss calculator?

In order for you to have the most accurate result from using a Body mass index weight loss calculator you will need to enter the following details, current weight, current height, date of birth and sex. The calculator will then divide your current weight in kilograms by your height in metres squared and will provide you with your current BMI so you will be able to see if you are a healthy weight for your height. You will be able to check your BMI at your Doctors Surgery, NHS online and local pharmacies and can also purchase BMI calculators at some pharmacy branches.


What is the ideal weight for a 5ft 7in 27 year old Filipino male?

To determine your ideal weight use the BMI calculator. These can be found online, but there is a simple equation to determining your own BMI. BMI stands for body mass index. This will give you a number to aim for so you are sure you are at a healthy weight for your current height. BMI = ((Your weight in pounds) / (Height in inches x Height in inches)) x 703 So, take your weight in pounds, divide that by your height in inches squared, and multiply your total by 703. This will give you a number, which is your BMI. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is below 18.5, you are underweight for your height. If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9 you are considered overweight. If your BMI is above 30, you are considered obese. BMI = (Weight in Pounds (Height in inches) x (Height in inches)) x 703


How do you caculate your BMI?

From WikiHow, you can calculate in pounds:Collect a few household materials to find your Body Mass Index (BMI): your bathroom scale; a yardstick; a pencil and paper and calculator.Weigh yourself on your clean bathroom scale.Measure your height in inches using the yardstick.Use the pencil, paper and calculator to perform the following BMI calculation: Your height in inches and square the number (i.e. multiply the number of inches by the same number).Divide your weight in pounds by the second figure (your height in inches squared).Multiply that number by 703. The answer is your Body Mass Index.Or you can let a BMI calculator do the math for you. You'll still need to know your precise height and weight, but you can use either English or Metric measurements in the calculator at the link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) BMI calculator, which is accessible by using the link further down this page. They have a calculator for adults and one for children and teens. Also see the related questions linked to this question for more information.Note that BMI does not account for muscle mass. A short individual who has a large muscle mass may be considered obese by BMI calculations even though their body fat is low. Muscle weighs more than fat. Use the BMI as a guideline only, it is not health science.


If you weigh 128 pounds and are12 12 is that over weight?

im turning thirteen this month, and weigh 128 pounds, and im 5'3. so we are about the same. i would like to loose a little weight though. go to kidshealth.com and do the bmi calculator and it will tell you. im turning thirteen this month, and weigh 128 pounds, and im 5'3. so we are about the same. i would like to loose a little weight though. go to kidshealth.com and do the bmi calculator and it will tell you.


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What is the average weight of a 19 year old girl who is 5 feet 7 inches tall?

See the Related Links for "Yahoo! Health" to the bottom for the answer. This site is great...it guides you through calculating your BMI and then has a chart so you can tell whether you are healthy at any age. All you need to know is your height and weight.