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Body Mass Index (BMI) Resources

To determine underweight and overweight status, one can incorporate weight and height into the BMI calculations. This BMI calculation:

weight (lb) / [height (in)]2 x 703

is used as a guideline for weight status.

Age greatly influences an individuals BMI. During growth, body mass changes. Gender also causes differences in body fatness. These factors led to the use of BMI for age according to gender specific charts.

Due to the complexity to calculating BMI's, the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDC), provides a site, which offers information and tips regarding BMI:

• CDC BMI Weight Charts for Children and Teens
• CDC Table for Calculated Body Mass Index Values for Selected Heights and Weights for Ages 2 to 20 Years (21 page PDF file)
• CDC BMI for Adults
• CDC BMI for Adults (1 page PDF file)

Or, the following websites offer interactive BMI calculators:

• CDC BMI Web Calculator
• Keep Kids Healthy Web BMI Calculator