Finding Your Optimal Weight With Body Mass Index

Developed by Adolphe Quetelet, the BMI is also called the Quetelet Index. The BMI defines the body's mass index as an individual's body mass divided by the square of their height. The BMI chart uses this formula for a simple easy reference, and the best part is, it is a measure tailored to each individual, unlike that number on the scale, or that photo on the magazine cover.

What the BMI chart offers is information as to whether the height is proportional to its mass. The BMI chart is not used the same for children. Rather than a simple calculation of height to mass there is also a comparison to typical values for other children in the age group. In other words a ten-year-old child's BMI is calculated by height, mass and by calculating in the average for those at this age.

In using the BMI chart you can quickly detect body issues, such as being overweight or underweight. Unlike the simple number showing on a scale you can see not only a weight gain or loss, but also whether or not this number is a problem, and if so how much weight should be lost or gained. It tells you where you are, and where you should be heading. The chart shows a BMI of 18.5 is underweight, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is in the normal range and will also show that a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is overweight. 30.0 and above is considered obese. An example of how this works in understanding how a doctor or a dieter can use the chart is in the case of a woman who was 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds.

She would see her BMI was 30.4, which for an adult indicates she is in the Obese category. At this height the chart shows her weight range should be between 122 to 164 pounds. The body mass for a man will be different than that of a women, allowing for the difference in the bone structure and muscle mass between the sexes. For this reason a male will usually weigh slightly more than a woman regardless of whether they are the same height.

The chart shows a BMI of 18.5 is underweight, a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is in the normal range and will also show that a BMI of 25.0 to 29.9 is overweight. 30.0 and above is considered obese. An example of how this works in understanding how a doctor or a dieter can use the chart is in the case of a woman who was 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 200 pounds. She would see her BMI was 30.4, which for an adult indicates she is in the Obese category. At this height the chart shows her weight range should be between 122 to 164 pounds.

The body mass for a man will be different than that of a women, allowing for the difference in the bone structure and muscle mass between the sexes. For this reason a male will usually weigh slightly more than a woman regardless of whether they are the same height.