HOW IS BMI CALCULATED?

The most widely used way to measure an adult's weight is to calculate body mass index (BMI). This is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. A 'healthy' BMI is classed as between 18 and 25. If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9, you are over the ideal weight for your height (overweight). If your BMI is between 30 and 39.9, you are obese. If your BMI is over 40, you are very obese (known as ‘morbidly obese’). BMI (body mass index): A ratio of height to weight. Between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal, 25 to 30 is overweight and over 30 is obese. The higher the BMI, the greater the risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and other problems. Body fat percentage: The amount of the body comprised of fat, measured using hospital-grade medical scales. Men should score from 16 per cent to 21 per cent, and women between 22 and 31 per cent. Cholesterol: A fatty substance vital for the normal functioning of the body. An excessively high level is a risk factor for heart disease and strokes. The reading should be below five. Blood pressure: The force of blood against the walls of arteries. The higher it is, the more strain on the heart and the higher risk of heart attack, strokes and kidney disease. The normal range is between 90/60 and 140/90. Pulse rate: A resting heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute is linked to heart conditions. Waist measurement: Men should measure under 37in and women under 31.5in, according to the British Heart Foundation. Larger waist size is linked to the development of heart disease and diabetes.