• BMI simply stands for Body Mass Index
• Body Mass Index is the newer, better, more accurate (but not foolproof) version of the old concept of height and weight charts utilized to give a person an idea of a healthy weight for that particular individual’s height.
• BMI is based on a formula and once the BMI number is calculated, a corresponding weight category is provided based on that individual’s BMI number.
• Adults twenty years and older have a different chart analysis than both male and female who are between the ages of 2 – 19.  (Those charts are not part of this document.)
• There is the possibility that a person in good health can have a BMI that puts them outside the range of a healthy weight.  One example is a person who has large muscle mass with distinct muscle definition.
• BMI is a tool, a resource, a guideline.  The first step a person should take if the BMI number places them outside the range of a healthy weight (under or over) is to consult his or her doctor.   
• BMI can be a valuable tool though, since normally there are multiple health risk factors for a person who is outside his or her healthy weight range.
• To have your BMI calculated for you, access the internet site at www.cdc.gov and scroll to the bottom of the page.
• Towards the bottom of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) home page, under tools and resources there is a link for BMI calculator.
• Once that link is clicked, choose either the adult calculation (those twenty years and older) or child and teen calculation (ages 2 – 19).
• Once you have clicked the appropriate calculator, plug in your information, click calculate and your BMI number and weight category will be provided.

BMI is a personal and private matter.  Each of us should 
respect that aspect of this potential health indicator, but 

For health purposes, everyone should “Know Your BMI”