Basal Metabolic Index (BMI)

Basal Metabolic Index (BMI): BMI or Body Mass Index is a statistical measure which compares a person’s height and weight in order to determine their overall body composition and fat. If the BMI classification is beyond normal, it is considered a progressively increasing risk of cardiovascular disease.  Although BMI doesn’t measure body fat directly, it uses the weight and height to determine whether an individual is classified as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.

BMI is measured by dividing your weight in pounds by the square of your height in inches, then multiplying by 703. The equation looks like this: BMI = (weight / height x height) x 703.

For example if an individual is 125 pounds and 5 feet 4 inches, then the BMI = (125 / 64 x 64) x 703 = 21.4. This BMI puts the individual in the normal weight range.

This measurement correlates moderately well with other measurements of body fat such as skin fold measurements and underwater weighing. This is according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Although BMI is a great starter measurement, it is important to analyze other factors as well. BMI does not always take into account lean muscle mass, so athletes may have a higher BMI even though they are lean. Health coaching can use other resources and tools to ensure that the BMI measurement is correct.