What is a Healthy Weight?
Body mass index, or BMI, is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform measure that correlates the ratio of height, weight and body fat. BMI is used as a screening tool to determine whether you’re at a healthy weight.
A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Any number below 18.5 would be underweight; any number above 25 is considered overweight. A person with a BMI of 30 and above is considered obese. Those with a BMI of 25 or higher may be at risk for such conditions as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and cancer.
You can calculate your BMI by using the following formula: Divide weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiply by 703. (For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and measure 5’5” (65"), your calculation would look like this: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96.)
If you don’t want to do the math, The National Institutes of Health, www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/, also offers a free BMI calculator. Or, check out the chart provided below.
In the chart below, find your height in inches in the left-hand column and move horizontally across the row to find your weight. Then move directly up from your weight to the top row to find your BMI number. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. If you’re above 24.9, you’re more likely to have certain health problems. Have a conversation with your doctor to discuss a healthy weight-loss program.
A normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. Any number below 18.5 would be underweight; any number above 25 is considered overweight. A person with a BMI of 30 and above is considered obese. Those with a BMI of 25 or higher may be at risk for such conditions as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis and cancer.
You can calculate your BMI by using the following formula: Divide weight in pounds by height in inches squared, then multiply by 703. (For example, if you weigh 150 pounds and measure 5’5” (65"), your calculation would look like this: [150 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 24.96.)
If you don’t want to do the math, The National Institutes of Health, www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/, also offers a free BMI calculator. Or, check out the chart provided below.
In the chart below, find your height in inches in the left-hand column and move horizontally across the row to find your weight. Then move directly up from your weight to the top row to find your BMI number. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy. If you’re above 24.9, you’re more likely to have certain health problems. Have a conversation with your doctor to discuss a healthy weight-loss program.
