What is BMI?Body mass index (BMI) is a body measurement based on height and weight. It is not perfect. In fact, it may overestimate body fat in athletes and others who have a muscular build, while underestimating body fat in in older people and others who have lost muscle mass. However, it is a great general guide. BMI is a good indicator of people?s risk for a variety of diseases, since it provides an estimate of their total body fat.How do I calculate my BMI?There are three ways to figure out your BMI. Use a BMI chart ?like the one featured above.Use an online BMI calculator. There are many choices, but we recommend www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.Use this formula to calculate your BMI right now.Step 1: Multiply weight (in pounds) by 703______ pounds X 703 = __________Step 2: Divide step 1?s answer by height_____ ? height (inches) _____ =______Step 3: Divide step 2?s answer by height_______ ? height (inches) _____ = BMIFor example, someone who weighs 180 pounds and is 5?5? tall (65 inches) would calculate:180 pounds X 703 = 126,540 126,540 ? 65 = 1946 1946 ? 65 = 29.9 BMIWhat do the numbers mean?Use this chart to figure out your BMI category:BMI Category ? ? ? ? ?BMIUnderweight ? ? ? ? ? ? ??Below 18.5Normal ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??18.5 - 24.9Overweight ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??25.0-29.9Obese ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ??30.0 or aboveHeed the Warnings!If your BMI is above 24.9, then you should lose weight in order to lower it. You might not be able to get to 24.9 or less in a week or a month, but, over time, you will see positive changes to your health and the way you feel.How do I lower my BMI?Most people who need to lose weight must do so by increasing their activity level while decreasing the number of calories they consume.

• Do not decrease calories by going on a crash diet. Instead, adopt a healthful eating plan that is consistent with MyPlate and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. See choosemyplate.gov for more information.
• By making healthier eating choices and controlling portion sizes, you could eat far fewer calories without even realizing it!
• If you start an exercise plan gradually, you are more likely to stick to it and stay injury-free.
• Start being active in situations where you might normally sit down. Do sit ups or wall squats while watching TV, or turn off the TV and go for a walk. From there, you can work your way up to a more traditional exercise plan.