Assessing Body Weight

The most widely accepted methods to access weight and body fat are Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist circumference. This Method is used by many health experts to determine whether your weight is putting you at risk. The measurement is based on mathematical formula that includes both height and weight

TO CALCULATE YOUR BMI

1. Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 to get your weight in kilograms.
2. Multiply your height in inches by 2.54 to get your height in cms.
3. Divide your height in cms by 100 to get your height in meters.
4. Square your height in meters.
5. Your BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meter squared (BMI = kg/ht in cm x ht in cm)

BMI CATEGORIES

1. Under weight = less than 18.5
2. Normal weight = 18.5 to 24.9
3. Overweight = 25 to 29.9
4. Obesity = 30 or greater

WAIST CIRCUMFERENCE

This measures where fat is accumulated on the body. An accumulation of fat around the abdomen is closely related to increase health risk. An increased risk of developing health problems comes with a waist circumference greater than 35 inches (88cms) for women, and greater than 40 inches (102cms) for men.