Define BMI

• What Does BMI Stand For?

What does BMI stand for? BMI stands for body mass index. This eMedTV article explains how BMI is used to assess a person's level of body fat and to help determine if he or she is at risk for weight-related health problems.

• Calculating BMI

Calculating BMI is simple -- the only two measurements you need are height and weight. This portion of the eMedTV archives explains the methods of calculating BMI and provides links to additional information.

• BMI Calculator

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.

• BMI Table

A BMI table is an uncomplicated chart that can be used to figure out a person's body mass index. This eMedTV article contains a BMI table you can use in place of the BMI formula and includes charts to help you interpret your BMI results.

• BMI Formula

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.

• Ideal BMI

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

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.

• BMI Chart for Women

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.

• BMI 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.

• BMI for Athletes

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.

• BMI and Obesity

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.