What is BMI?

Nutrition::Food Matters::Weight Management::What is BMI?

What is BMI and how do I calculate it?

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a tool used to assess overweight and obesity. BMI can also be used to monitor changes in body weight. BMI is a measurement of weight in relation to height, and a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy. Health professionals can use BMI to help assess a person’s risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Calorie Balance

Research suggests that subtracting 100 calories a day could go a long way in helping you manage your weight. There are many ways to burn 100 calories through physical activities. It can be as simple as walking your dog around the neighborhood, gardening or kicking around a soccer ball. Here are some tips to making fitness fun:

Easy Ways to Burn 100 Calories*

Gardening (20 min)
Washing the Car (20 min)
Walking the Dog (20 min)
Pushing a Stroller (20 min)
Bicycling (25 min)
Aerobic Dance (15 min)
Roller Skating (15 min)
Jogging (15 min)

*Based on a 150 lb person

Body Mass Index is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. To make it easy for you to calculate your own BMI, you can use an online calculator. Just type in your height and weight, and the calculator will display your BMI.

GetFitTN BMI Calculator

Standards for Body Mass Index are:

BMI	Classification
Less than 18.5	Underweight
18.5 to 24.9	Normal
25 – 29.9	Overweight
30 and above	Obese

Although it provides a valuable screening tool, BMI has limitations because it does not directly measure body fat or muscle. That’s why health professionals typically use BMI along with other measurements to determine your disease risk.

Your BMI can tell you a lot about where you are when it comes to obesity and disease risk. Learn your BMI, and talk to your doctor or registered dietitian about what it means.

GetFit Tips were taken from www.eatright.org, by the American Dietetic Association and www.CDC.gov by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.