A helpful number to gauge your progress is the Body Mass Index, or BMI. A simple formula is used to calculate this ratio between a person's height and their weight.
BMI = [weight in pounds times 703] divided by [height in inches] times [height in inches]. If you use metrics, use the same formula, except substitute kilograms (pounds) and meters (inches).
Using the formula to calculate my BMI:
[187 x 703] / [69] x [69]
[131461] / [4761]
= 27.6
Better yet, you can use this handy online BMI calculator.
BMI Result Classifications:
- Less than 18.5 (Underweight)
- 18.5 to 24.9 (Normal)
- 25 to 29.9 (Overweight)
- 30 or more (Obese)
This tends to be what many doctors offices and medical establishments use to calculate if you are at a healthy weight.
But taking into account body fat percentages, is BMI the most accurate way to go? Or should we dig a little further?
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