Body mass index (or
BMI for short) is a tool that can be used to indirectly measure body fatness.
Because the BMI calculation requires only height and weight, it is inexpensive and easy to use. Physicians and the general public use BMI as a method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.
When
calculating BMI for men or women, the same BMI formula is used. The results of the calculation used to determine BMI for men is also interpreted the same as for women. However, interpreting the BMI results does differ for adults and children under the age of 20
(see BMI for Children).
BMI for men and women uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person's height and weight. The formula for BMI equals a person's weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (BMI=kg/m2).
With the English system, the BMI formula is:
Weight in pounds (lbs) divided by height in inches (in) squared and multiplied by a conversion factor of 703 (weight (lbs) / [height (in)]2 x 703).
Therefore, to
calculate BMI, take the weight (lbs) and divide it by height (in). Take the result of that calculation and divide it by height again. Then, multiply that number by 703. Round to the second decimal place.
An example of calculating BMI using the BMI formula: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5'5" (65 inches)
To make it easier to calculate BMI for men, the possible variations of height and weight have been put into a BMI chart. This same BMI chart can be used by anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or ethnicity. A BMI calculator has also been created to determine a person's BMI.
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