To figure out your BMI, use the following formula:
Weight (pounds) ÷ 2.2 = weight in kilograms (kg)
Height (inches) ÷ 39.37 = height in meters (m)
Weight (kg) ÷ height (m) squared = BMI
For example:
Sue weighs 165 pounds and is 5'6" or 66" tall:
165 pounds ÷ 2.2 = 75 kg
66" ÷ 39.37 = 1.68
75 kg ÷ (1.68 × 1.68) = 26.5 BMI
Underweight |
less than 18.5 |
Normal weight |
18.5 to 24.9 |
Overweight |
25 to 29.9 |
Obesity |
30 to 39.9 or greater |
Severely Obese |
greater than 40 |
Check your BMI against the following chart to see where your present weight places you for risk of health problems related to your body weight:
BMI |
Risk for health problems related to body weight |
25–25 |
Very low risk |
26–30 |
Low risk |
31–35 |
Moderate risk |
36–39 |
High risk |
40-plus |
Very high risk |
If your BMI is greater than 30, you should consult your personal physician for further evaluation, especially before becoming pregnant.
