BMI (body mass index) is a valuable health predictor. The higher your BMI number, the higher the risk of health problems including coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Body mass index (BMI) is a gender-free measurement that relates height to weight. To get your BMI, use the following equation:
Your weight (lbs)/Your height (in)2 × 705
For a person who weighs 138 pounds and stands 5’3” tall, the equation looks like this:
BMI = W/H2 × 705
= (138 pounds/63 × 63 inches) × 705
= (138/3969) × 705
= 24.5 BMI
Apply your BMI number to the following categories:
| BMI | Status |
|---|---|
| <18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Healthy |
| 25-29.9 | Overweight |
| >30 | Obese |
| >40 | Extremely obese |
Source: The National Center for Health Statistics