This is a guide on how to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). BMI is a measure of a person’s weight relative to his/her height. It is derived by dividing one’s weight by the square of the body height. It is usually expressed in units of kg/m².
Calculating BMI is straight forward and involves two main mathematical methods that include Metric BMI Formula and Imperial BMI Formula. However, the most common method of calculating BMI in Kenya is by the use of Metric BMI Formula.
1. Metric BMI Formula
It is the simplest BMI calculation method as it is only a two-step process. The method mainly takes into account weight measurements in kilograms and height measurements in metres.
STEPS
- Multiply your height by itself (square your height measurements)
- Divide your weight (in kilograms) by the value in the first step (the value you get after squaring your height measurements.
2. Imperial BMI Formula
The Imperial Formula method takes into account weight measurements in pounds and height measurements in inches. It is however not a common method of calculating BMI in Kenya as most people are accustomed to measuring weight in kilograms and height in metres.
STEPS
- Multiply your weight in pounds by 703
- Square your height in inches
- Divide the figure you get in the first step by what you get after squaring your height in inches.
N/B
A BMI of below 18.5 means you are underweight.
A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 indicates normal weight.
A BMI of 25 to 29.9 indicates you are overweight
A BMI of 30.0+ indicates that you are obese
