Body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of body fat that classifies adults into four categories: underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. BMI is one of the most reliable and accurate methods of determining how a person's weight translates into potential health risks. A number of serious health complications are associated with obesity, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. BMI scores are used by physicians to identify those at risk for weight-related health complications. BMI scores are also useful when monitoring the growth and development of older children and teenagers.
Features
BMI is calculated using a mathematical formula that divides a person's weight by his height squared, and then multiplies the total by 703. For example, a 160-lb. person who is 70 inches tall would have a BMI of 160/4,900 x 703, or about 23.0.
Identification
The American Heart Association states that people with a BMI of less than 18.5 are underweight, those with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 are of healthy weight, scores between 25.0 and 30.0 are classified as overweight, and people with a BMI over 30.0 are obese and at an increased risk of developing health complications (see Resources).
Benefits
BMI provides patients and physicians with a reliable indication of body fat, and is therefore a useful tool in the screening and prevention of weight-related health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Considerations
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute cautions that BMI may overestimate the amount of body fat in athletes and others with a muscular build, and that the score may underestimate body fat in the elderly and in those who have lost muscle mass due to illness or other reasons (see Resources).
Expert Insight
The Nemours Foundation states that BMI scores can be useful indications of proper growth and development in children, but that they should only be used in combination with other tools and developmental checklists (see Resources).
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