Body mass index, or BMI, can tell you if you're a healthy weight for your height.
The average weight and height scale, also known as body mass index, indicates a range of weight considered healthy for a specific height. Limitations exist with this type of calculation, however. Always consult a doctor before making any lifestyle changes.
Calculating BMI
A range of BMI calculators are available online. However, it is useful to know where the final number comes from. Mathematically, BMI calculates the ratio of your weight in pounds or kilograms divided by the square of your height in inches or meters, respectively.
BMI Limitations
Because this weight-height scale only uses two concrete numbers, the results of the BMI calculation do not take into account whether the weight is from lean muscle or fat. For example, an athlete who is 6-feet, 3-inches tall and 210 pounds of mostly muscle has a BMI of 26.2, which would fall in the overweight range even though the athlete may be perfectly healthy.
BMI and Waist Size
BMI ratios indicate if a person is mathematically at a healthy weight, but should not be the only calculation used to determine health. Additionally, a person's waist circumference can indicate if they are overweight. Women should have a waist size of less than 35 inches and men should have a waist circumference of less than 40 inches.
