Body Mass Index, or BMI, is an indicator of how much body fat you have. There are many methods for calculating specifics, but BMI is a quick, easy indicator of whether you are healthy, underweight, overweight, or obese.

Calculation of BMI requires a quick conversion of height to meters and mass to kilograms. The easiest way to achieve this is to find a simple conversion calculator on the internet. Input your statistics, and it will do the rest. Many will automatically calculate BMI.

In adults, the ideal range is between 25 and 18.5. Above 25 is overweight, above 30 is obese, and below 18.5 is underweight. These adult calculations are intended for persons over the age of 20. For those under 20, separate calculations exist that place an emphasis on sex and age, as these are important when one is growing. The range is determined using weight and height charts.

An issue with BMI is that it is not very accurate in regard to determining total body fat percentage. It was created to analyze huge amounts of people for statistical purposes, but everyone is built slightly differently. Some people have a considerable amount of muscle, which adds significant weight and throws off the BMI calculation. There are more accurate ways to determine whether or not you are overweight.

If you want to confirm the results of the BMI test, the simplest method is to measure your waist size. A waist greater than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men is generally seen as overweight. Different tests for finding your percentage of body fat may be: weight underwater, thickness of folds, and other options that may require expensive, high-tech equipment. Because of the cost and depth of certain procedures, they will most not likely be given to you unless it is a complete necessity.

If you are not in the ideal range, you should schedule a trip to a medical professional. They can administer more tests and help you modify your diet, lifestyle, and workout regimen to help you meet health and personal goals. If you follow a healthy lifestyle but still have a high BMI number, you may not be as much at risk as someone who has a similarly high number but never exercises and has bad habits. If losing or gaining weight is necessary, your doctor can help with a plan.

Though it has its flaws, BMI is a quick and easy way to give you an idea of where you stand compared to others. See additional information if concerned by your BMI result.