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Desirable weights for men and women
- Body mass index (BMI) is calculated from a person’s weight and height, and is a reliable indicator of body fatness.
- It is used to determine categories of disease risk based on weight status.
Calculation of BMI
BMI is calculated the same way for both adults and children. The calculation is based on the following formulas
Calculation of BMI
| Measurement Units | Formula and Calculation |
|---|---|
| Kilograms and meters (or centimeters) | Formula: weight (kg) ÷ [height (m)] 2 With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Because height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters. Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m) Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65) 2 = 24.98 |
| Pounds and inches | Formula: weight (lb) ÷ [height (in)] 2 × 703 Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lb) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. Example: Weight = 150 lb, Height = 5′5′′ (65′′)Calculation: [150 ÷ (65) 2 ] × 703 = 24.96 |
BMI, Body mass index.
The standard weight status categories associated with BMI ranges for adults are shown in the table.
BMI Ranges for AdultsCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. How is BMI calculated and interpreted? Accessed September 22, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/index.html#Interpreted .
| BMI | Weight Status |
|---|---|
| Below 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal |
| 25.0-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30.0 and above | Obese |
BMI, Body mass index.
BMI can be easily determined by using a BMI calculator ( http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi ) or by referring to a BMI chart
Basal energy expenditure in calories can be derived from the Harris Benedict equation:
- Stress: Factor
- Mild stress: (× 1 to 1.3)
- Moderate stress: (× 1.3 to 1.4)
- Severe stress: (× 1.5)
