Body mass index (BMI) is a number based on a person's weight
and height that provides a way to estimate the effect of weight on health. The
higher the BMI, the greater the risk of some diseases, including high blood
pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, some cancers, and
type 2 diabetes.
To calculate exact BMI, one of the following
equations is used:
- The person's weight in pounds and height in
inches: BMI = (pounds x 700) divided by (inches squared)
- The
person's weight in kilograms and height in meters: BMI = kilograms divided by
(meters squared)
Last Updated:
December 12, 2009
Author:
Christine Wendt, R.D., L.D.
Medical Review:
Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Rhonda O'Brien, MS, RD, CDE - Diabetes Educator