Calculating Your BMI

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Body Mass Index (BMI) is, "a number calculated from a person's weight and height. BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems."

Calculating your BMI is quite easy, and in fact, you can click here to visit the CDC's online BMI calculator, plug in your numbers, and receive your results instantly.

For information on interpreting your BMI results, the CDC offers other online resources available by clicking here.

The Body Mass Index is simply a tool which assists in identifying the presence of obesity, or the risk of becoming obese. While the BMI uses only weight and height to measure relative body fat, it is recognized that athletes and those with increased muscle mass may indeed have BMIs which would put them in the overweight category. While you can use the CDC's tool to measure your BMI, you may indeed need a doctor or professional fitness instructor or trainer to assist you interpreting the results.

There are many tools to measure one's health and fitness, but in the end, you are the best judge of whether you are fit or not. Remember that data is useful, but how you interpret or apply it in your life is key. If you have questions or concerns regarding your weight, your BMI, or your level of fitness, consult a health care professional for support, assistance, and advice.