The acronym BMI stands for "Body Mass Index," a ratio between weight and height. It is a mathematical formula that correlates with body fat.

BMI is determined by calculating your weight in kilograms divided by your height in meters squared (BMI=kg/m2). However, to make it easy for you we have created a BMI chart in which you can look up your BMI. Locate your height (inches) and weight (pounds) and find your corresponding BMI at the cross of the two. (See below for how to measure height and weight.)

Weight Measurement: If you have not had your weight measured in the last month by a health care professional, follow these easy steps to measure your weight at home:
Weight should be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or two hours after your last meal. Clothing should be minimal. Shoes should not be worn. Weight fluctuates day-to-day and in females throughout the menstrual cycle. You might want to weigh yourself for three days and use the average weight.

Height Measurement: If you are not sure how tall you are, then follow these easy steps:
Stand with your head, buttocks, and feet touching a vertical wall. If this is not possible due to large amounts of body fat, simply stand erect, with hands relaxed at your sides. Look forward and keep your head straight and in an upright position. Straighten your spine so that your height is maximized. Have a friend gently lower a ruler down on your head, taking care to keep it parallel to the floor. Your friend should then mark your height on the wall with a light pencil. Use a measuring tape to determine your height.

Here is a the mathematical method for calculating your BMI (use this if your height / weight is not listed in the table)

Step 1) Multiply weight (in pounds) by 703
Step 2) Multiply height (in inches) by height (in inches)
Step 3) Divide the answer in step 1 by the answer in step 2 to get your BMI

If your BMI is high, you may have an increased risk of developing certain diseases, including:

• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Dyslipidemia
• Adult-Onset Diabetes (Type II)
• Sleep Apnea
• Osteoarthritis
• Female Infertility
• Other Conditions, including:
• idiopathic intracranial hypertension
• lower extremity venous stasis disease
• gastroesophageal reflux
• urinary stress incontinence

Prevention of further weight gain is important and weight reduction is desirable.

BMI is a better predictor of health risk than body weight alone. However, there are certain people who should not use BMI as the basis for estimating body fat content: competitive athletes and body builders, whose BMI is high due to a relatively larger amount of muscle, and women who are pregnant or lactating. Nor is it intended for use in growing children or in frail and sedentary elderly individuals

Weight reduction is an important way to reduce your BMI and improve your overall health. Even a modest reduction from your current weight is beneficial to your health. For instance, a 5´4" female who weighs 155 pounds (BMI=26.6), can improve her health by losing as little as five pounds, reducing her BMI to 25.7

The Energy Balance Equation is the key factor in the weight loss, weight gain puzzle. In other words -- consistently consuming more energy (calories) than you burn will cause weight gain and burning more energy (calories) than you consume will cause weight reduction. It's really as simple as that!

The best way to lose weight and keep it off is to balance the foods you eat with daily physical activity. Losing more than 1-2 pounds per week is unhealthy and greatly improves the chances of the gaining the weight back.

There are none, so don't waste your money or time. If you eat a healthy diet and get the recommended 30 minutes or more of daily physical activity -- excess weight will melt off.

Talk with your physician about other weight loss options that might help you along with healthy eating and increasing your physical activity. Most important, you need to develop healthy habits, since permanent changes will lead to a lifetime of better health.