Body mass index (BMI) is
a measurement based on height and weight as it relates to body fat,
and can be used to determine how much risk a person has of developing
certain health problems because of his or her weight. As a point of
reference, someone with a BMI of 27 is approximately 20 percent overweight.
The higher the BMI, the greater the risk a person has to develop additional
health problems.
To determine your BMI, simply select your height and type in your
weight where specified in the form below. The calculator will automatically
calculate your BMI score. The revised government standard considers
a body mass index over 25 to be too fat. The previous standard said
women were overweight at 27 and men at 28. A body mass index of 30
or more is now rated as obese. (Note: You need a BMI of 27 or greater
to get a prescription).
