Bmi Chart With Instructions printable pdf download

Bmi Chart With Instructions

Obesity Unit: Calculating BMI

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI is a fairly

reliable indicator of body fatness for most people. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but

research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat. BMI can be considered an

alternative for direct measures of body fat. Additionally, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform

method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific and is often referred to as BMI-for-age.

How is BMI used?

BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults and children. However,

BMI is not a diagnostic tool. For example, a child may have a high BMI for age and sex, but to

determine if excess weight is a health risk, a health care provider would need to perform further

assessments. These assessments might include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet,

physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings.

For children, BMI is used to screen for obesity, overweight, healthy weight, or underweight. CDC and

the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend the use of BMI to screen for overweight and

obesity in children beginning at 2 years old.

How is BMI calculated and interpreted?

Calculating and interpreting BMI involves the following steps:

1. Before calculating BMI, obtain accurate height and weight measurements.

2. Calculate the BMI and percentile using the formula:

(weight in pounds)______

BMI = (height in inches) (height in inches)

X 703

BMI Categories for adults age 20 and over:

Underweight = <18.5

Normal weight = 18.5-24.9

Overweight

= 25-29.9

Obesity

= BMI of 30 or greater

Bmi Chart With Instructions