Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used method for determining whether someone is overweight or obese. BMI is a measure of total body-fat based on height and weight and is not gender specific.  Because it incorporates total weight, however, BMI may be inaccurate for athletes who train regularly and have increased muscle mass.  In this case, the athlete's weight actually reflects heavy muscles out of proportion to the average non-athlete.

To calculate your BMI and to find out how to interpret it, please visit either one of these government sites:

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

National Institutes of Health