BMI: Body Mass Index. A relatively straightforward equations that compares a persons height with their weight and assigns an index number. Check out this site to find your BMI:
There are four different categories a person can fall into, ranging from underweight to obese. They are:
*18.4 or lower: Underweight.
*18.5 to 24.9: Normal weight.
*25 to 29.9: Overweight.
*30 or higher: Obese.
The BMI is often used in the medical community as a predictor or warning system for potential future health problems. According to the National Institutes of Health, being overweight or obese according to the BMI can put your at greater risk for heart disease, type II diabetes, and some forms of cancer.
But there is a fundamental problem with this index--it does not discriminate fat weight verses muscle weight. For example, check out Adrian Peterson, 6'1", 217-lbs, and running back for the Minnesota Vikings. An incredibly fit man, but according to his BMI, he is "overweight."
The BMI works for populations, but not for individuals, and was never designed as a tool to be used on individuals. It was in fact originally intended to measure the collective weight of an entire population. So, you should not necessarily get too worried about your BMI. What you should worry about is your body-fat percentage.
Look in the mirror. Check our your jean size. You know if you are overweight, or have too much body fat. And that is what you should use to see if you are on track, not a flawed for formula.
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