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No, to get serious, the acronym BMI refers to Body Mass Index. This is a number calculated from your height to weight ratio. This calculation roughly assesses the percentage of your body mass that is fat. The higher your BMI score the higher amount of fat your probably carry.

The equation to work out your BMI is as follows:

weight (kgs) / height (metres) squared

You may lose a few calories working out this equation - but for the mathematically challenged (like me!), use one of the many online BMI calculators eg:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health /healthy_living/your_weight/bm iimperial_index.shtml

The basic parameters for interpreting your results are as follows:

Under 20 - you might be underweight.
20 and 25 - you are probably a healthy weight for your height.
25 plus - you may be overweight
35 plus - you may be obese.

The higher your BMI score, the more fat there is likely to be in your body. It is important to remember that this sum is only an estimated assessment of your overall health. This is because there are a number of factors that may affect your results for example; an athlete or highly muscular person may have a higher BMI score despite having a healthy level of body fat, as muscle weighs more than fat. It is also not accurate for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or older, frail people.

In conclusion, you BMI score is only on indication of your overall health, to get the whole picture you need to take into account your waist measurement, cholesterol level, exercise regime, and diet. By all means work out your BMI score and use it as an approximation of your overall fitness, but do not become fixated upon it.

If you do plenty of exercise, eat well, and feel healthy - throw away the BMI calculator along with the bathroom scales!

Learn more about this author, Katherine Wells.
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