Bariatric Surgery

How to Measure Body Mass Index

To measure BMI, follow these four steps:

1. Multiply weight in pounds by 0.45. For example, if a person weighs 230, then multiply 230 x 0.45 = 103.5.
2. Multiply height in inches by 0.0254. If someone is
   5 feet 5 inches (65 inches), then multiply
   65 x 0.0254 = 1.651.
3. Square the answer from step 2. In this case,
   1.651 x 1.651 = 2.73.
4. Divide the answer from step 1 by the answer from
   step 3. So, 103.5 divided by 2.73 = 38.

In this example, the person's BMI is 38. A BMI of 30 or greater is an indicator of obesity.