Body Mass Index (BMI)
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indirect method to estimate the composition of the
body mass of an adult. It is obtained by dividing weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.
Formula: BMI = w / h 2.
The BMI does not determine conclusively whether a person is above or below their normal weight, it represents only
an approximate measure based on statistical criteria. Therefore, if the result signals to a range of abnormal weight can investigate the issue by others more accurate methods.
There are more accurate methods to assess body weight, usually more complex, such as magnetic resonance imaging,
isotope dilution, bioimpedance and hydrodensitometry.
Excess fat in different levels, also offers different levels of risk factors for health. The higher of the BMI, is
the greater the risk factor. According to WHO (World Health Organization), the normal BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 .
How to calculate the BMI.
Related Topics
Body Mass Index (BMI) Daily Calorie Needs Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) Body Surface Area