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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What is the body mass index and how does it work?

    Related Topics
    Obesity Weight Management
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    Pamela Holdsworth

    Dietitian

    My name is Pamela Holdsworth and I have been a DIETITIAN in private practice since 1990 while also teaching at Southbank TAFE for 14 years. … View Profile

    BMI or BODY MASS INDEX is a simple calculation to determine if your body falls into the healthy weight range for your particular height.  To calculate your BMI simply divide your weight in kilos by your height in metres squared.
    ie  BMI = Weight
                    height x height
                    eg   ___6o kg__    
                             1.65 x 1.65          = 22
    A BMI classification is intended for adults over 18.  A BMI less than 18.5 is considered underweight, 18.5 - 24.9 us Healthy weight range.  25 - 29.9 is Overweight and Over 30 is Obese.  Note that a BMI may overestimate weight classification in very muscular people such as footballers.

     

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  • Genevieve Michael

    Dietitian

    Having gathered 28 years of private practice experience , Genevieve wants to assist people with practical changes to their food and lifestyle issues in order … View Profile

    The Body Mass Index is a calculation that explains where your weight sits, whether you're a normal weight or overweight. It applies to people of the age from 25 to 65. It is also not useful in the very short or the very tall.

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