When it comes to weight, the body mass index (BMI) is the most common for determining health. But what does it really mean?
By definition, a BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. This has a large range that is separated into a few categories: underweight, normal, overweight, obese (including severe and morbidly). The range looks like this:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obese = 30-34.9
Severe = 35-39.9
Morbid = >40
How does someone check their BMI?
One website that is simple to follow is: http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/
Follow these steps:
1. Enter your weight and height using Standard or Metric measures.
2. Click on "Compute BMI" and your BMI will appear in the heart of the figure.
I put in my data and came up with a 40.4, which means I am barely in the morbidly obese range. Time to get back on the treadmill.