Return to IndexStep 1: The Benefits of a Healthy WeightStep 2: What is Your Ideal Weight?Step 3: Medical ConsiderationsStep 4: How to Lose Weight the Healthy WayStep 5: Modify Your DietStep 6: Break Your Unhealthy Food HabitsStep 7: Get MovingStep 8: It is the Little ThingsStep 9: You CAN SO Do ItStep 10: Choosing a Weight Loss ProgramStep 11: Medication and SurgeryKey PointsMedTestGlossary
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Return to IndexStep 1: The Benefits of a Healthy WeightStep 2: What is Your Ideal Weight?Step 3: Medical ConsiderationsStep 4: How to Lose Weight the Healthy WayStep 5: Modify Your DietStep 6: Break Your Unhealthy Food HabitsStep 7: Get MovingStep 8: It is the Little ThingsStep 9: You CAN SO Do ItStep 10: Choosing a Weight Loss ProgramStep 11: Medication and SurgeryKey PointsMedTestGlossary
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| Body mass index calculation |
|
Your body mass index (BMI) estimates how much you should weigh, based on your height. A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 25. This number represents the relationship between your height and weight. You can estimate your BMI by following the steps below.
| Steps | Example:Someone who is 150 pounds and 5 feet 6 inches |
| 1. Convert your weight in pounds to kilograms by dividing by 2.2. | 150 lbs. 2.2 = 68.18 kg |
| 2. Convert your height in feet to inches (1 foot = 12 inches). | 5 feet 6 inches = 66 in |
| 3. Convert your height to meters: multiply your height in inches by 2.54. Then divide by 100. | 66 in. x 2.54 = 167.64 167.64/100 = 1.68 m |
| 4. Multiply your height (in meters) by itself. | 1.68 x 1.68 = 2.82 |
| 5. Divide your weight in kilograms (step 1) by your height squared (step 4). | 68.18/2.82 = 24.18 |
| BMI = 24.2 |
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Review Date:
6/18/2009
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Reviewed By: Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
