Can You Explain What BMI Is?

Hi, I was wondering what BMI is and whether it's important?

YouTips4U Ans.: Hi, BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It's a way to determine whether your weight is appropriate for your height (see formula below). You can use it to determine if you are overweight and to access your risk of developing diseases that are associated with being overweight. Regardless of what your BMI is, if you're a woman and your waist is larger than 35 inches (larger than 40 if you are a man), you are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other health problems. It would be a good idea for you to consider a diet and exercise plan, but remember to choose one that you can live with long term; that you can make a new way of life.

Here's how to calculate your BMI: BMI = weight(in pounds) divided by height (in inches) squared and multiplied by 705.

Example: A 5'5" (65") woman weighing 150 pounds would have the following BMI:

150 divided by 65 squared (65 x 65=4225)= .035502958, multiplied by 705= 25

A BMI of 25-29 usually indicates a person is overweight. This person is at the very beginning of the range where her risk for health problems begins. A BMI of 30 or more usually indicates a person is obese. The most desirable BMI is 19-24.

Please remember that this is just an estimate and that sometimes very muscular people can have a high BMI without having health risks. Use this in conjunction for evaluating your body, how much excess fat your have, how much exercise you do and what your diet is like.