Great emphasis is sometimes placed on BMI or Body Mass Index. It can be a useful guide to both risk and recovery in adults but is very much less helpful as an indicator in children. The BMI of young people should only be assessed by a health professional using the correct 'centile' charts.
BMI is calculated by taking your weight (in kilos) and dividing it by your height (in metres) squared. So…
_BMI = wt (kg)_
Ht (m) x Ht (m)
ie If weight = 60kg and height =1.66m
_______60_______
1.66 x 1.66 = 2.75 = 21.8 BMI
For an adult, a healthy BMI will be in the region of BMI 20 to 25. The risk of developing anorexia rises significantly under BMI 18. At the other end of the scale the complications of obesity will begin at about BMI 27 and become a significant risk at BMI 30.
If you have any concerns about your BMI it would be best to discuss them with a doctor or health professional.
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