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Body mass index (BMI) is one of the most widely used measures for assessing body fat and the measurement of choice for many researchers studying obesity. BMI uses a mathematical formula that takes into account both a person’s weight and height. BMI equals a person’s weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. BMI is calculated using the formula:

BMI = weight(in kg)/Height (in m)

For people aged 34 or less, a BMI of 25 or more indicates obesity. For people aged 35 or more, a BMI of 27 or more is considered obese. A BMI over 30 is usually taken as a sign of moderate to severe obesity. To estimate BMI using pounds and inches, use the weight in pounds (lb) divided by the height in inches (in) squared and multiply the result by 704.5.

Overweight is defined as a body mass index value of 27.3 per cent or more for women and 27.8 per cent or more for men. These definitions of overweight are based on an analysis of BMI relative to the risks of disease and death.

Obesity is defined as a BMI of 30 and above. A BMI of 30 is about 30 pounds overweight. (Some muscular people may have a high BMI without health risks.)

The BMI measurement poses some of the same problems as the weight-for-height tables. Not everyone agrees on the cut-off points for “healthy” versus “unhealthy” BMI ranges. BMI also does not provide information on a person’s percentage of body fat. However, like the weight-for-height table, BMI is a useful general guideline and is a good estimator of body fat for most adults between the ages of 19 and 70 years. But it may not be an accurate measurement of body fat for bodybuilders, certain athletes, and pregnant women.

Healthy weight: BMI from 18.5 kg/m2 to 25 kg/m2

Overweight: BMI from 25 kg/m2 up to 30 kg/m2

Obese: BMI 30 kg/ m2 or higher

Extreme obesity: Over 40 kg/m2

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