BMI: What is it?

  • Published
  • By Kelly Suggs
  • Health and Wellness Center
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Have you been wondering if your weight is healthy? Or how to find out what is healthy for your body? 

The best way to judge if your weight is healthy is to use the BMI chart. BMI stands for body mass index - and it compares a person's body weight to their height. This index applies to almost everyone (the only exceptions are nursing and pregnant women, extremely muscular men and people under the age of 20) and is an easy way to answer weight questions. 

Use the following formula to figure out BMI: 
BMI = (Weight in Pounds/(Height in inches) x (Height in inches)
) x 703 

The ideal BMI number should be between 20 and 25. A person below 20 may be underweight. A person above 25 could be overweight, have excess body fat or be obese. 

Excess body fat (a high BMI) is linked with increased risk for heart disease,hypertension, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases. It is good to know that if a person's BMI is in the overweight or obese category, a moderate weight loss of only 10 percent can significantly decrease the severity of the health risks associated with being overweight or obese. 

Another BMI fact to know and remember is that it is just a guide and it should be treated as such. Anyone with questions or concerns about their weight, should contact their health care provider or call the HAWC at 731-4292.