Why are BMIs useful ?

Calculate Your BMI

In regards to your weight and its impact on your overall health, you need to recognize that every body is different. There are people who are overweight while some are underweight and some are deemed " normal." The process of determining your personal "normal" is as easy as calculating your body mass index that is, BMI.

BMI is a metric used by health professionals in order to assess the body's fat content. For a way to calculate your BMI take advantage of our useful calculator below. Not only will you identify whether your weight is within the healthy band and you'll be in a position to determine what your optimal BMI range too.

If your results fall in"The category "Overweight" or beyond you could be a candidate for weight loss surgery.

It's usually the most difficult part However, we make it easy. Just sign up for one our upcoming free weight loss seminars. In this informative, one-hour session , you will be greeted by members of our experienced bariatric surgery team who will explain our procedure to answer your questions and alleviate your concerns about surgery.

Get Started

• Join us for a free weight loss surgery seminar, register here.
• For an appointment , or for a consultation for an appointment or consultation, make an appointment online or call 856.673.4500.
• If you are a physician who wishes to refer your patient to Cooper, please call 856.673.4500.

Understanding your BMI resultUnderweightBeing underweight could be a sign you're not eating enough or you may be ill. If you're underweight, your GP can help.Find out more about overweight adultsHealthy weightKeep doing your work! For tips on maintaining a healthy weight, check out the food and diet and fitness sections.OverweightThe best way to lose weight if you're overweight is through a combination of diet and exercise.The BMI calculator will give you a personal calorie allowance to help you achieve a healthy weight safely.ObeseThe best way to lose weight if you're obese is through a combination of diet and exercise, and, in some cases, medicines. See a GP for help and advice.Black, Asian and other minority ethnic groupsBlack, Asian and other minority ethnic groups have a higher risk of developing some long-term (chronic) conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.These adults with a BMI of:23 or more are at increased risk27.5 or more are at high riskWhy waist size also mattersMeasuring your waist is a good way to check you're not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can raise your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.You can have a healthy BMI and still have excess tummy fat, meaning you're still at risk of developing these conditions.To measure your waist:Find the bottom of your ribs and the top of your hips.Wrap a tape measure around your waist midway between these points.Breathe out naturally before taking the measurement.Regardless of your height or BMI, you should try to lose weight if your waist is:94cm (37ins) or more for men80cm (31.5ins) or more for womenYou're at very high risk and should contact a GP if your waist is:102cm (40ins) or more for men88cm (34ins) or more for womenChildren's BMIFor children and young people aged 2 to 18, the BMI calculator takes into account age and gender as well as height and weight.Overweight children are thought to be at increased risk of a variety of health conditions, and they're also more likely to be overweight as adults.The BMI calculator works out if a child or young person is:underweight - on the 2nd centile or belowhealthy weight - between the 2nd and 91st centilesoverweight - 91st centile or abovevery overweight - 98th centile or aboveA child's BMI is expressed as a "centile" to show how their BMI compares with children who took part in national surveys.For example, a girl on the 75th centile is heavier than 75 out of 100 other girls her age.Measuring waist size is not routinely recommended for children because it does not take their height into account.See a GP if you're concerned about your child's weight. They may be able to guide you to a local healthy lifestyle programme for children, young people and families.Find the information on underweight children between the ages 6 and 12 and overweight children.Get tips on how to encourage your child to be active and healthier. Limitations of the BMIYour BMI will let you know if you're carrying too much weight, but it can't determine if you're carrying too much fat.The BMI cannot tell the distinction between fat and muscle, and bone.The adult BMI doesn't take into account the age, gender or mass.This means that very muscular adults and athletes can be classified "overweight" or "obese" regardless of the fact that their body fat levels are low. Adults who lose muscle mass as they age may be in an "healthy weight" range even when they are carrying extra fat. Pregnancy can also affect the woman's BMI results. Your BMI increases as you gain weight. Pregnancy weight in creating your BMI.Apart from these restrictions, using the BMI is a fairly simple and reliable method for assessing the individual's weight.Eating disorders If you suffer from an eating disorder and you have an eating disorder, the BMI calculation results won't apply. Please get further advice from a GP.Next stepsYou can use your BMI results as a starting point for discussions with a GP about your weight and general health.Find out how your GP can assist you in losing weight, and visit the Change4Life site for useful tips on how to remain healthy as family. family.A BMI above the healthy weight range , or with too much weight around your waist can increase the risk of developing serious health issues such as: