A formula devised to compare body weight relative to height. To calculate your BMI using metric units, divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Using English units, multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide the result by your height in inches, and divide that result by your height in inches. A healthy BMI is defined as 18.5 to 24.9. Calculators such as one from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute simplify the process.
« Back to Glossary IndexBody Mass Index (BMI)
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