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medical definitions for “underweight,” “normal,” “overweight,” or “obese.” For people over twenty, BMI can be calculated using one of the following formulas:

BMI = [weight in pounds ÷ (height in inches x height in inches)] x 703

or

BMI = weight in kilograms ÷ (height in meters x height in meters)

Here is an example for a person who is 5'3" tall (63") and weighs 120 pounds. The equation looks like this:

[120 ÷ (63 x 63)] x 703 = BMI [120 ÷ (3969)] x 703 = BMI

[.03] x 703 = BMI .03 x 703 = 21.09

The answer, in this case 21.09, which would be normal, according to the fol- lowing chart.

BMI Classifications According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention BMI CLASSIFICATION < 18.5 = Underweight 18.5–24.9 = Normal 25.0–29.9 = Overweight 30.0 and above = Obese

14 / Nature & Nurture: The Causes of Obesity