Staying Healthy
Do BMI numbers add up?
Body mass index has had a mixed reputation for estimating obesity and possible health risks. Are there alternatives to measuring body fat?
How much body fat do you have? The number on a bathroom scale usually offers a clue, but it doesn’t always tell the complete story.
For decades, researchers have used body mass index (BMI) to determine whether a person’s weight is optimal and as an estimate of a person’s proportion of body fat. The BMI formula uses body weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters — or, in American measurements, body weight in pounds divided by the square of height in inches and then multiplied by 703. (If you want to avoid doing math, use an online BMI calculator like the one at /bmi.)
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.