Learn how to calculate BMI, all you need is knowledge and a calculator

The body mass index or BMI or Quetelet index is a statistical measurement, which actually compares a person's weight as well as height. That does not mean that it does measure the percentage of body fat, rather BMI is used to estimate a healthy body weight, which is based on the height of the person. As it is very easy to measure and calculate, BMI is the most widely used diagnostic tool in order to identify weight problem within an individual, be he is underweight, or overweight or even obese.

Healthy weight status in adults is generally assessed by using weight and height by computing a number called the "body mass index" or BMI. BMI is used in a wide number because it directly relates to the amount of body fat for most people. An adult, having a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese. Overweight person has a BMI between 25 and 29.9 while Normal weight person has a BMI of 18 to 24.9. Proper diet as well as regular physical activity can really help to maintain a healthy weight.

In a different way to define it, body mass index (BMI) may be defined as the individual's body weight, which is divided by the square of his height. There are a number of organizations, which work on BMI, CDC is one of them. BMI CDC has successfully defined what is actually meant by BMI. You also can compute your BMI at BMI CDC's nutrition and physical activity program website.

However, there is a popular myth that the person, who has some fat on his body, is overweight. According to the BMI CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Promotion), overweight may or may not occur due to the increases in body fat. On the other hand, it may also occur due to an increase in lean muscles. Take a simple instance, the professional athletes are generally very lean as well as muscular, and they have very little body fat. But what is more amazing is that they may weigh equal or more than others of the same height. These people may qualify as overweight for their large muscle mass, but they will not be certainly considered as having excess fat regardless of BMI.

The Centers for Disease Control and Promotion (BMI CDC) also announced that obesity rates are leveling off rapidly, especially among the white women. The data also show less favourable trends among men as well as women of colour. There is one reason for the slowing down of obesity rates, which may be another favourable trend, as the prevalence of regular physical activity seems to be increasing day by day.