How to Calculate Your Body Mass Index
From your Guide

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is believed to be a good approximation of healthy weight, as your BMI is proportional to your weight, divided by the square of your height.

Difficulty Level: Easy    Time Required: five minutes

1. Multiply your weight, in pounds, by 0.45 (example: 130 pounds x 0.45 = 58.5).
2. Multiply your height, in inches, by 0.025 (example: 5¹6' or 66' x 0.25 = 1.65).
3. Multiply the answer from step 2 by itself (example: 1.65 x 1.65 = 2.7225).
4. Divide the answer from step 1 by the answer from step 3 (example: 58.5 ÷ 1.65 = 21.48).
5. If your body mass index rates below 21, you are underweight.
6. If your body mass index rates above 27, you are overweight.
7. A BMI of more than 40 indicates that you are obese.
   

Tips:

1. BMI is only an approximation of body composition; the percentage of body fat is a better indicator of a healthy weight.
2. Do not try to lose weight if you are not overweight ­ being underweight can be as dangerous as being overweight.
3. Don't be discouraged if you don't lose weight, as long as you are losing inches. You may be gaining muscle mass, which weighs more than fat.

Related Information:

• Your Ideal Weight
• Know What You Consist of
• Overweight: Whom to Blame?
  

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