Body mass index (BMI) is a method that can be used to estimate whether you are a healthy weight.  BMI is an indicator for health risks associated with being overweight. Being overweight puts strain on your heart and can lead to serious health problems. These problems include type 2 diabetes, heart vascular disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, varicose veins and other chronic conditions. More than 300,000 lives could be saved in the U.S. each year if everyone maintained a healthy weight!

BMI assesses your weight compared to your height. BMI equals weight in kilograms divided by height squared in meters:  Wt. (Kg)/Ht2 (M)

To convert weight from pounds (lb) to kilograms (kg): lb / 2.2 = kg
To convert height from inches (in) to meters (m): inches / 39.37 = m

For example: 130 lb. Individual who is 5’5"

Weight in kilograms:
130 lb / 2.2 = 59.09

Height in meters:
5'5" = 65"
65/39.37=1.65 m

BMI =  Weight (kg)        =     59.09               = 59.09 = 21.7
          Height (squared) (m) (1.65)(squared)     2.723

BMI	BMI (Values for obesity judgement by the World Health Organization)
Less than 18.5	LOW (low)
18.5 or more and less than 25	NORMAL (Normal)
25 or more and less than 30	HIGH (Pre-obese)
30 or more	VERY HIGH (Obesity)

20 to 25: You’re doing something right. Studies have shown people in this group have lower risks for heart disease and diabetes and have increased longevity.

26 to 30: You’re overweight, and have an increased risk of developing high levels of blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated blood glucose.

Above 30: Consider yourself obese. That makes you more susceptible to diabetes, coronary artery disease, cancer and diseases of the digestive tract.

Below 20: You’re fine … if you’re in good physical shape and not suffering from a disease - such as cancer - thats causing you to be underweight.