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What Is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

A good way to assess your weight is to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). Your BMI estimates how much you should weigh based on your height. Here are the steps to calculate it:

  1. Multiply your weight in pounds by 703.
  2. Divide that answer by your height in inches.
  3. Divide that answer by your height in inches again.

For example, a woman who weighs 270 pounds and is 68 inches tall has a BMI of 41.0

BMI Category

Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight
30.0 - 39.9 Obese
Above 40 Morbidly Obese

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