BMI Calculators

The media constantly barrages us about new diseases and alarming medical findings. Reporters, physicians and scientists alike bring us disturbing results of the latest research almost daily, and confront us with health issues we may never even have thought of. If it was not for them, we would probably ignore definite and important warning signs and not worry so much about our physique, what we eat, and how much we exercise.

A healthy weight assessment is recommended by anyone who works for, or is interested in, fitness and the well-being of mankind. That means keeping track of how much people weigh, and what it does to their bodies. From all the news coverage health issues receive, we learn that more and more people are struggling not only with what they eat, but also how much. The result is a steady increase of the population's 'Body Mass Index', and sadly to say, this has a negative impact on all aspects of society, including health care. Indeed, the heavier, overweight or obese people become, the more chances arise they get sick.

Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a precise measurement. It is a ratio of a person's mass in kilograms to the square of their height in metres. BMI = weight in kg/ (height in metre)2. The desirable, normal range is 20-25. Above 25 is considered overweight, above 30 is labeled as obesity, and over 40, is found to be morbidly obese. BMI scores below the lower end of the acceptable range indicate malnutrition.

BMI is mentioned in many diets and fitness plans. Understanding the concept is one thing, being able to measure one's body mass, is another. Fortunately there are several convenient tools available to help you figure out what your BMI is. Calculators and counters can be purchased as handy, handheld, portable devices. They can be purchased online, or at specific locations where they sell exercise equipment or diet supplies, or you can take advantage of easy-to-use online programs, which were explicitly designed to determine a person's Body Mass Index.

Pocket size, portable BMI calculators devices are easy to use, and usually come with multiple built-in features. Follow the instructions, enter the required information, and the gadget will display your results on a practical screen.

All you need to enter when using an online BMI calculator program is your height and weight. With the click of a mouse you will instantly get your results. Monitoring your BMI regularly is important. It will help you keep your levels in a normal range, which will reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers.

BMI weight loss calculators are most reliable for people between the ages of 18 and 70, except for those who are pregnant, women who are breastfeeding, body builders, competitive athletes, and individuals with chronic illnesses. In case you do not have access to a computer, or a BMI calculating device, health clubs and fitness centers usually are equipped with BMI calculators, and will gladly measure the Body Mass Index of their members.