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Body Mass Index (BMI)

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to body mass index (bmi) including topics such as ideal bmi, bmi chart for women, and bmi calculator. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

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Description of Articles in Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI, or body mass index, measures a person's body fat based on his or her height and weight. This section of the eMedTV library discusses BMI in detail and provides links to additional information.

In order to calculate BMI, the only measurements you need are a person's height and weight. This segment of the eMedTV website contains the formula used to calculate BMI and provides information about interpreting your results.

A BMI calculator is a tool used to determine a person's body mass index. This section of the eMedTV library provides a BMI calculator to help you figure out your body mass index as well as information to help you interpret your results.

A BMI chart compiles many variations of height and weight so that body mass index can be calculated without using the BMI formula. This eMedTV resource includes a BMI chart and information to help you understand your results.

Using the BMI formula is one way to determine a person's body mass index, which is an indirect measure of body fatness. This portion of the eMedTV archives explains how to use the BMI formula with either the metric system or the English system.

Usually, an ideal BMI for adults is between 18.5 and 24.9; for children, an ideal BMI is normally between the 5th and 85th percentile. This eMedTV Web page provides statistics indicating approximately how many Americans have an ideal BMI.

BMI and weight are not the only factors to consider when assessing a person's risk for obesity-related health problems. This eMedTV article explains how waist circumference and other factors are used with BMI and weight when assessing health risks.

As explained in this eMedTV resource, there is no special BMI chart for women; it is the same measurement tool used by men. A BMI chart for women will work equally well for men.

It doesn't matter if you're calculating BMI for men or women -- it is done in the same way. This eMedTV article provides a formula that may be used to calculate BMI for men or women.

Using BMI for athletes may not result in an accurate assessment of body fat. As this eMedTV page explains, BMI may overestimate the level of body fat in athletes. This article looks at other ways of assessing athletes' body fat.

Statistics on BMI and obesity indicate that nearly 61 million American adults are obese. This eMedTV resource discusses BMI and obesity in detail and explains how BMI is used to determine if a person is overweight or obese.