A Simple Guide to BMI How to Calculate

Oct 11, 2024

INSIGHTS,TECHNOLOGY

When it comes to understanding your overall health, BMI how to calculate is an important question. Body Mass Index is a useful tool that can give you insight into whether your weight falls within a healthy range.

BMI how to calculate is a vital question. Whether you're curious about BMI how to calculate or using a BMI calculator, this guide has you covered. If you're exploring weight loss options like bariatric surgery to combat obesity, we'll break it down in simple, easy-to-understand steps. Let’s dive into what Body Mass Index is, how to calculate it, and what it means for your health.

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index is a measurement. Simply, it compares your weight to your height to determine if you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. It isn’t a perfect measure of health, because it doesn’t account for factors like muscle mass or fat distribution. However, it provides a general picture of where you stand in terms of body weight.

Why is BMI Important?

Doctors and health professionals often use BMI calculator. It is a starting point to assess your health and evaluate your risk for conditions. Whether your index falls into the overweight or obese range, it may be a sign that you need to make some lifestyle changes. You might also consider medical options, such as bariatric surgery for weight loss, to improve your health.

How to Calculate Body Mass Index

Calculating your Body Mass Index is actually quite simple, and you can do it yourself with just a few steps.

The Formula:

To figure out your Body Mass Index by hand, divide your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m). Then, take that result and divide it by your height again.

The formula looks like this:
BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)²]

For example, if you weigh 70 kilograms and are 1.75 meters tall, the calculation would be:

BMI = 70 / (1.75 × 1.75) = 22.86

What if I Use Pounds and Inches?

If you're using pounds and inches, the formula changes a bit. Multiply your weight in pounds by 703, then divide that by your height in inches squared (your height times itself).

The formula for pounds and inches is:
BMI = (weight (lbs) × 703) / [height (in)²]

For example, if you weigh 154 pounds and are 5’9” tall (69 inches), the calculation would be:

BMI = (154 × 703) / (69 × 69) = 22.74

To find the best bariatric surgeons globally, platforms like Wupdoc can connect you with top specialists for bariatric surgery consultation. Thanks to Wupdoc, making informed decisions about your weight loss journey is easier than ever.

BMI Categories: What Does Your Score Mean?

Once you've calculated your Body Mass Index, you'll fall into one of the following categories:

Underweight: Less than 18.5
Normal weight: Between 18.5 and 24.9
Overweight: Between 25 and 29.9
Obesity: 30 or higher

These categories help determine if your weight is in a healthy range or if you may be at risk for weight-related health problems.

When Bariatric Surgery is an Option

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to help you reach a healthy weight, you may want to consider bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery is a medical procedure for weight loss. It can help people with severe obesity lose a significant amount of weight. This is done by making changes to the digestive system. There are several types of bariatric surgery, such as:

Gastric Bypass: Reduces stomach size and reroutes the digestive system.
Sleeve Gastrectomy: Removes a portion of the stomach, limiting food intake.
Adjustable Gastric Banding: Places a band around the stomach to restrict intake.

Bariatric surgery is usually advisable for those with a Body Mass Index of 40 or higher, or a Body Mass Index of 35+. Especially for those with obesity-related conditions like diabetes or heart disease. It's a life-changing option for those who struggle to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

Understanding BMI how to calculate is a simple but important step in managing your health. Using a BMI calculator or calculating it yourself helps you see if your weight is in a healthy range and if changes are needed. If you’re dealing with obesity, making lifestyle changes or considering weight loss options like bariatric surgery can improve your health and reduce the risk of serious conditions. Taking control of your health starts with knowing your numbers—so why not check your Body Mass Index today!

top 5 doctors & clinics in Bariatric Surgery Consultation:

Muzaffer Önder Öner
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5.0
Turkey, İzmir
Bariatric Surgery
There's a clear rationale behind why our services are preferred—a culmination of expertise, dedication, and a patient-centric approach. With over 15 years of professional experience and a thriving success spanning 18 years, Op.Dr. Muzaffer Önder Öner embodies a commitment to excellence. Continuously evolving alongside his team, he harnesses state-of-the-art medical equipment and cutting-edge treatment methods to ensure optimal outcomes for his patients.At our facility, the well-being of our patients reigns supreme. We take pride in our experienced team, available round the clock, dedicated to providing unparalleled healthcare services. Our commitment to excellence extends to ensuring access to quality care at affordable rates. While upholding reliability and unwavering quality in our healthcare provisions, we offer cost-effective solutions without compromising on the standards of service.
# 1
Bridge Health Travel
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4.9
Turkey, Antalya
Dentistry,Bariatric Surgery,Plastic Surgery
Our medical team prioritizes the safety and comfort of our patients. Our experienced surgeons and medical personnel are accredited to operate in the European Union. If you're struggling with being overweight, our experts will evaluate you for bariatric surgery. We strive to provide a comfortable and safe experience for our patients. Contact us through our enquiry form or give us a call. Our private rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Patients can also have a friend or family member stay in their private room.
# 2
Dr. Mehmet Deniz
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5.0
Turkey, İzmir
Bariatric Surgery
Looking for expert care in gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or revision bariatric surgery? Dr. Mehmet Deniz is a renowned specialist in bariatric and metabolic surgeries with over 10 years of experience and 5,000+ successful procedures. Based at Izmir Private Health Hospital, Dr. Deniz offers advanced treatments including robotic bariatric surgery, gastric balloon, gastric band, and swallowable balloon techniques. Dr. Mehmet Deniz aims to ensure each patient receives safe, ethical, and personalized care. From laparoscopic surgeries to laser techniques for hemorrhoids and single-port operations, Dr. Deniz uses cutting-edge technology for optimal results. His dedicated team provides VIP service, lifetime follow-up, and expert guidance throughout your weight loss journey.
# 3
Weight Loss Riga
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4.9
Latvia, Riga
Bariatric Surgery
Achieving lasting weight loss is about more than shedding pounds—it’s about reclaiming your health, confidence, and quality of life. At Weight Loss Riga, we understand the challenges of obesity and are here to provide a solution that truly works. With 2,500+ success stories, we’ve earned our reputation as a trusted partner for those ready to take control of their future. From our expert surgeons with 25 years of surgery experience and state-of-the-art facilities to our personalised care and affordable all-inclusive packages, we offer everything you need to make your weight loss journey successful and stress-free.We boast a 99.4% patient satisfaction rate and our private, patient-only Facebook community with 9,000+ members serves as a testament to our commitment to our patients' well-being. When it comes to weight loss surgery that isn’t on the NHS, there’s only one option.Contact us today
# 4
Weight Loss Latvia
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5.0
Latvia, Sigulda
Bariatric Surgery
Weight Loss Latvia offers a comprehensive range of bariatric procedures, including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, SADI-S, one-anastomosis gastric bypass, and revisional weight-loss surgeries at Sigulda Hospital—one of the leading bariatric surgery centers in Latvia, EU. Our all-inclusive 6 day package covers accommodation, transfers, pre-operative exams, surgery, hospital recovery (not in a hotel), consultations, and personalised lifestyle advice.Each procedure is performed by our two highly experienced, board-certified bariatric surgeons, Dr. Kozlovskis and Dr. Zarinovs, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care. To support your journey to lasting health, we provide a three-month subscription with a UK-based certified bariatric dietitian and ongoing, unlimited support from our surgical team in Latvia.
# 5