Are you overweight?
Are you overweight? Find out by calculating your BMI (Body Mass Index)
A lot of people think they’re overweight even though they aren't. Just because you don't measure up to a supermodel doesn't mean you're bigger than you should be! In fact everybody should have some body fat. The average man should expect his body fat to be 10 to 18 percent of his bodyweight. The figure for women is higher, in fact 18 to 25 percent of a woman's bodyweight should be fat. Calculate your BMI using the simple test below, then check your results on the table. The comments regarding your weight can be found in the top row.If the BMI-test shows that you are overweight (a BMI number exceeding 25) you should consider doing something about it for the sake of your health.
Please note: This test is meant as a guide only, and should not replace a visit to your doctor to discuss weight problems. The BMI test should not be used by body-builders as the weight of the extra muscles could interfere with the calculation.
To get the correct reading PLEASE ENSURE that you correctly set the unit of measurement for your weight.
To use this tool on your website, use the following code between thr <body></body> tag
<script src="http://www.britain.tv/interactive/scripts/bmitool.js" language="javascript" type="text/javascript"> |
How to interpret your BMI:
| Age |
Underweight (you should gain weight!) |
Healthy |
Overweight (increased mortality) |
Obese (significantly increased mortality) |
| Over 35 years old |
BMI below 19 |
BMI: 19 - 26 |
BMI: 27 - 30 |
BMI above 30 |
| 18-34 years old |
BMI below 19 |
BMI: 19 - 24 |
BMI: 25 - 30 |
BMI above 30 |
Obviously everyone is built differently, so there is a certain margin for your BMI. However, if it is above 25-27, you should do something about your weight before it affects your health. Obesity can cause diabetes, heart conditions, cancer and high blood pressure. If your BMI is above 30, you should definitely act straightaway.
Please note that body-builders or people with large bones cannot use the BMI since the weight of the muscles and bones alter the calculation.
REMEMBER: if you need to lower your BMI do it gently. Don't starve yourself or over-strain your body with strenuous exercise. Read here about how to lose weight the healthy way.
- TIP: You can experiment with the test to see how much weight you should lose to get your BMI down.
If your BMI is too high, read how to lose weight the healthy way.
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