Shrinking Dude

BMI, or Body Mass Index is a measurement of body fat based on height and weight. To figure out your BMI, use this simple formula:

BMI = 703 x (Weight in lbs / Height in inches²)

So, if you weigh 150 pounds, and you are 5′10″ with the numbers plugged in the formula would look like:

703 x (150 / 60²)

Which makes your BMI equal to 21.5

• Underweight = <18.5
• Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
• Overweight = 25-29.9
• Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

BMI alone should not be used to evaluate one’s health. It’s important to understand that since BMI is calculated from basic information such as height and weight, it can greatly differ from person to person. There is no way to account for bone density or muscle mass, which varies per person and greatly affects your BMI.

For example, a body builder that is in great shape which might be six feet tall and weight 235 pounds will have a high BMI, and according to the BMI chart that would put him or her in the overweight category.

A better and much more accurate way to evaluate your health, or track any weight loss or gain goals which you may have is to measure your body fat percentage… and that post is coming soon.