How To Calculate Body Mass Index - BMI Calculator

How To Calculate Body Mass Index - BMI

An easy way to calculate your average Body Mass Index, to assess your excess body fat, is by using this free Body Mass Index calculator from the CDC. Determining your BMI will give you a pretty good idea of your general weight range for your size and height. Weighing in at 200 pounds on a 6'2" frame, I'm unfortunately dipping into the overweight category. I wish I could say that I was 200 lbs. of bone & muscle, but I'd be fooling with my weight loss efforts if I did. You can play around with the Body Mass Index calculator, leaving the height the same and adjusting the weight, until you find a general weight that throws you into the normal weight (healthy) category. This can assist you with any future weight loss efforts. There is also a BMI calculator for kids should you be concerned about your children being overweight. As a general rule, the higher your BMI number, the more you are at risk for life-threatening health conditions.

Definition of Body Mass Index

So what does Body Mass Index mean and how accurate is BMI? Your Body Mass Index number is a general guide to how much actual body fat is being carried on your body. The number you calculate from the Body Mass Index calculator is not a definitive number. You would need further testing to get a more accurate number. Some of these tests for measuring body fat may include, among others, a skinfold thickness test, underwater weighing and computer tomography.

Tips to Help You Lose Weight

• Make a commitment to lose weight. If you get off track, get back on quick.


• Don't set unattainable weight loss goals for yourself.


• Eat Healthier. Add more whole foods to your diet.


• Exercise regularly to burn more calories.


• Change your habits. If you do what you've always done, you'll get...well, you know.


• And have your doctor schedule a BMI test to assist you in getting that Body Mass Index score back down into the normal, healthy range.