The statistics are astounding: nearly two-thirds of adults in the developed countries are overweight. This is around 1.5 Billion people across the world with nearly 130 million in the US alone.

Child obesity is also a growing health concern with an alarming number of children classified as obese and developing the diseases that are normally seen in adults only. What is more concerning is that less than half of the population in America has a healthy BMI.

The BMI formula was originally developed by a statistician from Belgium known as Adophe Quetelet. In the early 1800s, it was called the Quetelet scale to measure body mass index for population groups instead of individuals. It was more accepted in the early 1970s when scientist Ancel Keys’ social research.

What is BMI?

BMI stands for Body Mass Index and it is a calculation based on a person’s current weight and height. It is a reliable tool that healthcare professionals use to determine how healthy you are. This tool allows experts to determine your health based on facts compared to other individuals of the same BMI. It is an accepted method that measure not just weight, but body fatness making it a more reliable measure of health. BMI does not measure body fat directly. Calculations from research show how your BMI correlates to direct measurements in body fat. There are other ways to measure body fat but they are more expensive and require more work. These include the dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method and weighing a person under water. The BMI is preferred because it is fast and convenient.

Healthcare professionals have found that individuals with a BMI over 30 are more likely to have high cholesterol, heart disease, and other life threatening conditions. BMI is an indication that more testing is necessary, not a definite diagnostic tool for existing disease. Just because you have a high BMI does not meant you have diabetes or heart disease but rather you have the body stature of someone who is more likely to develop it. Doctors will use this data to decide if you need additional testing and consider the health concerns you are at risk for. Other factors are assessed to determine your actual health status. These include evaluations of your physical activity level, your family history, your diet, and your health concerns.

Understanding The Numbers

A BMI chart assigns a number to your weight. The Body Mass Index is this number and it conveys what weight range you are for your height.  The following charts explain what the numbers mean.

Calculating BMI

(A) Using Metric System (Kilograms and Meters)

The formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters.

Example: Weight = 70 kg, Height = 160 cm (1.60 m) Calculation: 70 ÷ (1.60)²= 21.6

(B) Using Imperical System (Pounds and Inches)

Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.

Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5'5" (65") Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)²] x 703 = 24.96

But the easiest way to find out your BMI is to use the World's Most Advanced BMI Calculator

Waist Size

After considering your BMI, healthcare professionals now look at your waist size. People who are ‘apple-shaped’ store fat around their abdomen region and are more likely to have certain diseases than those who are ‘pear-shaped’ with fat accumulated around their hips.

For most people, a healthy waist is:

• less than 40 inches (102 centimeters) for men
• less than 35 inches (89 centimeters) for women

How do I Get the Ideal BMI ?

According to the CDC, anyone with a BMI over 24 is classified as overweight. It is possible that some people can have more muscles than fat and make their BMI appear high. As a result, the BMI is not a good indicator of body fatness or overall health status. If you are outside the ideal BMI range for a normal weight, it may be necessary for you to determine what the next step will be. The best advice is to go see your healthcare provider for an evaluation. You will need to be tested for health conditions like high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis, some cancers, sleep apnea, respiratory problems, and diabetes. Each of these conditions could result in long-term health issue.

To lower your BMI and get an ideal number, you will need to work with your healthcare professional. Lowering the number is a long process and keeping it down means that you adapt a different lifestyle. Here are a few things you will need to do:

• Create a diet plan that allows you to get the calories you need to survive while reducing your count to an acceptable range. Many professionals encourage you to lower the intake of complex carbohydrates and increase lean meats and vegetables.

• Developing a regular exercise plan is also important. Exercise burns calories and increases the body’s metabolism. This keeps your body strong and your body mass index number low.

• Live a more active lifestyle. Put down the video game controller and get up from the computer. Go for a walk, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and don’t worry about getting the closest parking place.