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What Does BMI Stand For?

By Adrianna Noton

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Published: 20Feb2012
Word count: 505
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If the time comes along where you or your doctor feel that losing weight is an important step for your overall health, you're probably going to hear about BMI, if you haven't already. BMI is an acronym that stands for "body mass index." Your body mass index is a number that is calculated using your current weight and your height, and is usually an accurate predictor of whether or not you're overweight. Many websites are equipped with a BMI calculator that figures out the number for you, so you can see where you rank and what types of health risks you may be susceptible to.

Body mass index isn't the only way that a doctor can determine if you need to lose weight, but it does help with treatment protocols and figuring out a suitable weight loss program. If you go online and a BMI calculator tells you that you're dangerously overweight, you may want to contact your doctor based on that reading, so you can start on a weight loss program and start sorting out your health.

When you enter your height and weight into a BMI calculator, the calculator will give a numbered result. If your body mass index is below 18.5, you are underweight. This probably won't be the case if you know you're overweight, so if the number is below 18.5, re-enter your data into the BMI calculator. A normal or healthy weight will show a BMI of between 18.5 and 24.9. Again, this likely won't be the case if you know you're overweight. If you are in the 'overweight' class, your body mass index will be between 25 and 29.9. If you are considered obese, the BMI calculator will give out a reading of over 30. If the reading is over 35, you may be in store for serious health problems in the near future if you don't see your doctor and get on a weight loss program.

In some cases, people with really high BMI readings will be prescribed weight loss surgery as part of their weight loss program. For others who are obese or overweight, a combination of diet modification and exercise will likely be prescribed as the base for a weight loss program. Your doctor may test you for type 2 diabetes and ask a series of other questions, and may even calculate your BMI himself just to be sure the BMI calculator was correct.

All of your vitals will be checked and a weight loss program will be set up if you do need to lose weight. You may be sent to a dietician and given a calorie-restricted diet to help get you on track, as well as a list of foods to avoid to help you lose weight. The body mass index reading is generally reliable, except for cases when someone is relatively short but heavily muscled. This scenario will give a higher BMI reading, even though the person in question isn't obese or overweight at all.

Find a healthier way to lose weight fast without starving yourself.

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