Calculate your BMI
Are you obese, overweight or underweight? How much calories you spend while resting? A BMI Calculator calculates your Body Mass Index (BMI) and Basal | |
Metabolic Rate (BMR). This information will tell you about your body composition and metabolism and if you need to start dieting to prevent health risk related to obesity.
Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of your height/weight ratio and there is a correlation between this ratio and your general health. BMI is only valid for people over the age of 20, the US government has developed special charts for younger people.
BMI is calculated by taking your weight in kilograms and dividing it by the square of your height in meters. For example, if your height is 1.8 meters, the divisor of the calculation will be (1.8 * 1.8) = 3.24. If your weight is 70 kilograms, then your BMI is 21.6 (70 / 3.24).
The Calculator
The calculator can work in three different modes:
Metric: The input height is in meters (m) and the weight in kilograms (kg).
Imperial: The input height is feet (ft) and inches (in) and the weight is in stones (st) and pounds (lb).
Pounds: The input height is feet (ft) and inches (in) and the weight is in pounds (lb).
- Select the type of calculator required (Metric, Imperial or Pounds).
- Enter your height and weight.
- Press 'Calculate' (or press 'Return')
- The BMI for the entered height and weight will be returned. In addition, the weight and height will be converted in to the other units which can be accessed by clicking on the tabs.
The result
The results fall in to four main categories: Below 20, between 20 and 25, between 25 and 30, and above 30.
Data suggests that people with BMIs between 19 and 22 live longest and death rates are noticeably higher for people with indexes 25 and above. However, these figures should be viewed with caution as it is possible to have a high BMI and a low body fat percentage (for example, look at rowers, who typically have BMIs above 25). The BMI is only one measure of your health and body fat percentage, blood pressure, resting heart rate, cholesterol and other measurements are at least as important as BMI.
Consequences
If the results suggests you are overweight (or under-height for your weight!) please consult your physician before starting any exercise or diets.
Further information on diets and exercises can be found here