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Measuring Weight

Many forms of measurement are used when measuring obesity. The most common form of measurement is Body Mass Index (BMI). Below, you will find a BMI calculator that you can use to determine your BMI and a weight chart to determine your weight status category.

BMI is a number calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by his or her height in meters squared. BMI is used in determining obesity. Below, enter the correct information in the fields to calculate your BMI. A BMI chart is also provided to determine the correct classification.

Remember, there is no perfect method to measuring weight status. It is important to talk with a healthcare provider about your weight.

BMI Calculator

Ready to calculate your BMI? Perfect, simply enter your height in inches and your weight in the below boxes.

Your BMI Result:

Underweight
< 18.5
Normal
18.5 – 24.9
Overweight
25 – 29.9
Affected by Obesity
30 – 39.9
Affected by Severe Obesity
> 40

Normal, Overweight – What Does It All Mean?
Now that you know your BMI, you’re probably wondering what it all means. After calculating your BMI, you either fell into one of five weight categories (underweight, normal, overweight, affected by obesity or affected by severe obesity). Below, you will find some definitions of the different weight status categories and what they mean to your health. Let’s take a moment and go through them.

Underweight
If you calculated your BMI and your result puts you in the “underweight” category, it is important that you share this information with a healthcare professional. Quite often, people may think that it’s healthy to be underweight; however, this is not true. You want to make sure that your body is getting the daily requirements of nutrients and vitamins to function at a healthy status.

Normal
Having a “normal” BMI score means that your body weight based on mass and height is what the Center for Disease Control (CDC) considers normal. At this category, you may not be experiencing any weight-related health conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, but it is important to maintain your weight and routinely check your BMI. As we age, our bodies change and our metabolisms slow down; therefore, you may gain weight in the future and this could impact your health.

Overweight
Having a BMI of 25-29.9 puts you in the “overweight” weight category. In this category, you may notice physical changes in your body such as clothes feeling tighter or even feeling more tired after a day of work. Weight-related health conditions such as diabetes could also be a threat at this point. It is important for you to talk to a healthcare professional about your weight and find the best weight-loss plan for your situation.

Affected by Obesity
The clinical definition for obesity is, “Obesity is classified as having a BMI of 30 or greater.” Today, more than 72 million Americans are affected by obesity. Obesity increases your risk of developing related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc. Even though short and sweet, the definition itself is on target. By being affected by obesity you are putting your health at great risk. It is very important for you to see a healthcare professional and discuss your weight. A long term weight-loss program, including behavioral changes, may be necessary to get back down to a healthy weight.

Affected by Severe Obesity
Being affected by severe obesity means having a BMI greater than 40 or being more than 100 pounds overweight. More than 9 million Americans are affected by severe obesity. Quite often, people who are affected by severe obesity actually think they’re “affected by obesity” until they calculate their BMI appropriately. Being affected by severe obesity puts you at a very high risk of weight-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, some cancers, stroke, heart disease and more. Please consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to decide which weight-loss method will best fit your lifestyle and needs.

What Next?
If you calculated your BMI and you’re BMI was above the “Normal” weight category, we encourage you to take the Your Weight Matters Campaign Challenge. Talking to a doctor about your weight isn't easy, but the Campaign is here to help you prepare for this important conversation. All you need to do is take the Your Weight Matters Campaign Challenge!