Determining Your Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) can be a reliable indicator of total body fat for adult men and women. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, determining your BMI is one of three key measures in assessing your risk for developing obesity-associated diseases.

To automatically calculate your BMI, you can input height-weight information on a variety of Internet sites. Or you can use one of the equations at left.

Though a good indicator, the BMI isn’t perfect. It may overestimate body fat for those with muscular builds or underestimate it for anyone who has experienced muscle mass loss. Your doctor can help you evaluate your BMI and discuss any healthcare concerns you may have.