For example, Asian men and women have been shown to be at a higher risk of heart disease at a lower BMI, compared with non-Asians ( 3). Some countries have adopted this BMI scale to better represent the size and stature of their populations.
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Once BMI is calculated, it’s then compared to the BMI scale to determine whether you fall within the “normal” weight range ( 2):Īccording to this calculation, a healthcare professional may suggest health and lifestyle changes if you don’t fall within the “normal” weight category. You can also use an online BMI calculator, such as the one provided by the National Institutes of Health. BMI = (weight (lbs) / height (in 2)) x 703.The BMI scale is based on a mathematical formula that determines whether a person is of a “healthy” weight by dividing their weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared ( 1):Īlternatively, BMI can be calculated by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared and multiplying by 703: Nevertheless, it’s widely used to measure individuals’ health ( 1).
Interestingly, Quetelet stated that BMI was not useful in studying single individuals but rather in giving a snapshot of a population’s overall health. He developed the BMI scale to quickly estimate the degree of overweight and obesity in a given population to help governments decide where to allocate health and financial resources ( 1).
“BMI” stands for “ body mass index.” The BMI was developed in 1832 by a Belgian mathematician named Lambert Adolphe Jacques Quetelet ( 1).
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