The Body Mass Index is a useful measure of an individual’s current weight related to an ideal body weight. An ideal BMI is generally between 20.5 and 21.5. A BMI greater than 30 is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and other health problems related to obesity.
To calculate your own Body Mass Index, enter your height (in feet and inches) and weight (in pounds) in the spaces below. Then click where it says “Click to Calculate BMI – Will Appear Below.”
The following table describes the health-risk significance of the BMI:
| Men | Women | Risk Factor |
| <20.7 | <19.1 | Underweight. The lower the BMI the greater the risk |
| 20.7 to 26.4 | 19.1 to 25.8 | Normal, very low risk |
| 26.4 to 27.8 | 25.8 to 27.3 | Marginally overweight, some risk |
| 27.8 to 31.1 | 27.3 to 32.2 | Overweight. moderate risk |
| 31.1 to 45.4 | 32.3 to 44.8 | Severe overweight, high risk |
| > 45.4 | > 44.8 | Morbid obesity, very high risk |
Sources: 1. Indiana University 2. Hamilton and Whitney’s Nutrition Concepts and Controversies
