shutterstock_143809960Measurement of your weight alone does not provide enough information to accurately assess your level of health. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is an easy calculation you can make to better determine your level of fitness and to screen for excess or insufficient body fat.  The calculation provides an index of height to weight that allows for a comparison of many body types. Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs.) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. Formula: weight (lb.) / [height (in)]2 x 703. This calculation will yield a number that can be matched on a scale of relative percentages of body fat to help determine your risk for disease. The scale is as follows:   BMI below 18.5 = Underweight;  BMI 18.5 – 24.9 = Within Normal Limits; BMI 25.0 – 29.9 = Overweight; BMI 30.0 and above = Obese.