Figuring BMI

Definitions for obese, overweight and normal weight are determined by measuring body mass index (BMI): the ratio of your weight in kilograms to the square of your height in meters. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. A BMI from 30 to 39.9 is classified as obese, and 40 and above is morbidly obese.

To determine your BMI, multiply your weight in pounds times 703. Then divide that by your height in inches squared. For example, the BMI of a 6-foot (72 inches), 215-pound male is 29. (151,145 [215 x 703] divided by 5184 [72 x 72] = BMI of 29). The man is overweight and on the verge of obesity. For an online BMI calculator, visit clevelandclinic.org/bariatricsurgery and click on “Overview of Obesity” in the left-hand column. The BMI calculator is at the bottom of the page.