BMI calculations: 

The Body Mass Index (BMI) formula was developed by Belgium statistician Adolphe Quelet (1796-1874), and was known as the Quetelet Index. BMI is also referred to as 'body mass indicator'. BMI is an internationally used measure of obesity.

Body mass index calculation is very straightforward. Calculating body mass index requires only two measurements, height & weight.

Your BMI can be calculated as follows:

Weight divided by your height squared  (BMI = W / H ² ) 

Weight(Kg) / Height(m)²

You will end up with a figure that relates to the information below.

BMI Categories:

• If your BMI is less than 18.4 you are underweight for your height.
• If your BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9 you're an ideal weight for your height.
• If your BMI is between 25 and 29.9 you’re over the ideal weight for your height.
• If your BMI is between 30 and 39.9 you're obese.
• If your BMI is over 40 you're very obese.

Please note that these statistics are for adults and there are specific tables for children and teenagers which should be consulted separately.

So where should I start?

As a quick rule, a body fat loss of !0% of your total weight is a good realistic target for slimming and weight loss.  So calculate !0% is of your total body weight and set that for your first quick term goal.  This will help you for a number of reasons:

• You will be well on the way to achieving your initial 10% goal quickly, because you have broken it down into a manageable chunk.
• You will feel lots better and your clothes will fit better even after losing just 10% of your body weight.
• This 10% loss will MOTIVATE you on to loose more weight (if you need to) and you will really truly BELIEVE in yourself that you can do it.
• Your confidence and ability to lose fat will increase and there will be no stopping you!

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