BMI calculator: what do your results mean?

Understanding BMI and How to Calculate It

At Ready Health in Standish, we are dedicated to supporting your health journey and helping you make informed decisions about your well-being. One essential tool in monitoring your health is the Body Mass Index (BMI), which can give you a quick snapshot of whether your weight is within a healthy range for your height.

What is BMI?

BMI is a simple calculation used to assess whether your weight is proportionate to your height. While it's not a definitive measure of body fat, it offers a useful guideline for identifying potential health risks related to weight. It’s important to remember that BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat, so athletes or people with higher muscle mass might have a higher BMI, even though they have lower body fat.

How is BMI Calculated?

The BMI formula is straightforward:

BMI = Weight (kg) / Height (m)²

To put it simply, you divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters, squared.

Example:

If you weigh 70 kg and are 1.75 meters tall:

1. Square your height: 1.75 x 1.75 = 3.0625
2. Divide your weight by your squared height: 70 ÷ 3.0625 = 22.86

So, your BMI would be 22.86.

What Do the BMI Numbers Mean?

BMI is categorised into ranges that help you understand where you fall in terms of weight:

• Underweight: BMI less than 18.5
• Normal weight: BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
• Overweight: BMI between 25 and 29.9
• Obesity: BMI of 30 or more

Why is BMI Important?

BMI can help identify whether you are at risk for conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. However, it's just one piece of the puzzle. A full health assessment with a professional, like the experts at Ready Health, will give you a more complete picture of your health.

Need Help with Your BMI?

If you want assistance in calculating your BMI or discussing your results, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Ready Health in Standish. Our friendly team is here to offer guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and achieving your health goals.