Body mass index (BMI) is a tool used by healthcare providers to estimate your body fat percentage based on your height and weight measurements.

Yash Birla explains that it can aid in determining risk factors for certain health conditions.

What is body mass index (BMI)?

Body mass index (BMI) is a medical screening tool that calculates your body fat percentage by dividing your height by weight. BMI is calculated by healthcare providers by dividing weight in kilogram (kg) by the square of height in meters (m2).

In most cases, BMI is related to body fat – the higher the number, the more body fat you may have – but it is not always accurate. BMI does not alone diagnose health. Healthcare providers assess someone’s health status and risks using BMI and other tools and tests.

High body fat levels may result in heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. Malnutrition may be associated with low body fat. It also serves as a source of energy for your body, aids body temperature regulation, and protects your organs.

The standard BMI chart should not be used to determine a child’s or adolescent’s weight. Consult your doctor about the ideal weight range for their age and height.

How do I calculate my BMI?

You can calculate your own BMI by following these steps:

  • Multiply 703 times your weight in pounds.
  • Divide that figure from your height in inches (there are 12 inches in 1 foot).
  • Divide that result by your height in inches once more.

For example, an individual who weighs 180 lbs. and is 5 feet and 5 inches tall (65 inches total) would calculate their BMI in the following way:

  1. 180 x 703 = 126,540.
  2. 126,540 / 65 = 1,946.769.
  3. 1,946.769 / 65 = 29.95.

Their BMI would be 29.9.

What is a healthy BMI?

An optimum range of healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.

It is important to remember that body fat is not the only factor that influences overall health. Other factors such as genetics, activity level, smoking or using tobacco, drinking alcohol, and mental health conditions all impact your overall health and risk of developing certain medical conditions.

Body mass index (BMI) is a quick tool used by healthcare providers to assess your risk for certain health conditions. However, BMI is not always an accurate measure of body fatness or the only factor in determining your overall health, says Yash Birla. Speak with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about your weight or risk of developing certain health conditions, such as heart disease.