Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used method to assess a person’s weight status based on their height and weight. This index helps individuals understand their risk of developing various health problems such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many others. BMI is calculated by dividing an individual’s weight in pounds by their height in inches squared and multiplying the result by 703.
This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to calculate BMI in pounds and what the results mean.
Step 1: Measure Your Height and Weight
The first step in calculating BMI is to measure your height and weight accurately. It is important to use a standard scale and measuring tape to get accurate measurements. It is recommended to measure your height without shoes and to wear light clothing while weighing yourself. If you have difficulty measuring your height or weight, seek the help of a friend or family member or visit a healthcare professional. It is important to have accurate measurements in order to get an accurate BMI calculation.
Step 2: Convert Height to Inches
The next step in calculating BMI is to convert your height from feet and inches to inches only. This is because BMI is calculated using only inches and pounds. To convert your height to inches, you need to multiply the number of feet by 12 and add it to the number of inches. For example, if you are 5 feet 8 inches tall, your height in inches would be 68 inches (5 x 12 + 8 = 68).
It is important to note that this conversion only needs to be done once and can be used for all future BMI calculations. By converting your height to inches, you will have a consistent measurement for BMI calculations and can easily compare your results over time.
Step 3: Square Your Height in Inches
The next step in calculating BMI is to square your height in inches. Squaring your height means multiplying the height in inches by itself. For example, if your height in inches is 68, then 68 x 68 = 4, 624. Squaring your height is necessary because it helps to account for the fact that taller individuals generally weigh more than shorter individuals. By squaring the height, the calculation takes into account both height and weight, giving a more accurate representation of an individual’s body mass.
It is important to remember that the result of this step should be kept as a whole number and not rounded off, as this will affect the accuracy of the final BMI calculation. You can calculate BMI by using BMI calculator.
Step 4: Divide Your Weight in Pounds by the Squared Height in Inches
The next step is to divide your weight in pounds by the squared height in inches. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, your BMI will be 150 ÷ 4, 624 = 0.0325.
Step 5: Multiply the Result by 703
Finally, multiply the result by 703 to get your BMI. In the example above, 0.0325 x 703 = 22.9.
What Do Your BMI Results Mean?
BMI is classified into four categories based on the results:
Underweight: A BMI less than 18.5 is considered underweight. This indicates that an individual is not getting enough nutrients and may be at risk of developing health problems.
Normal Weight: A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered normal weight. This means that an individual is at a healthy weight and has a lower risk of developing health problems.
Overweight: A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. This indicates that an individual is at a higher risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and others.
Obesity: A BMI of 30 or more is considered obesity. This indicates that an individual is at a very high risk of developing serious health problems and needs to take action to improve their health.
Conclusion
Calculating BMI in pounds is a simple process that can help individuals understand their weight status and the potential health risks associated with it. By following the five steps outlined in this article, you can easily calculate your BMI and take the necessary steps to improve your health. It is important to remember that BMI is not a perfect measurement and may not be accurate for all individuals, especially athletes and older adults. If you are concerned about your weight status, it is recommended that you speak with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment.