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Know Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

In Medical Services, we are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles. When you come in for an appointment, we will ask whether you would like us to calculate your BMI. If so, we will record your height and weight and calculate your BMI for you.

If you are interested in calculating your BMI on your own,

visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web site,

or

divide your weight in pounds by height in inches squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.

Normal BMI per CDC guidelines is 20-25. See the CDC Web site for details. BMI is an indicator of body fatness in people. It is not a direct measure of body fat, but an alternative measure. Although not considered a diagnostic tool, BMI can be used as a screening tool to identify possible weight-related health problems for adults. The correlation between the BMI number and body fatness varies by sex, race, and age.

Source: CDC

If your BMI is below 17 or above 35, you have an unhealthy weight and we suggest you make a nutrition appointment.

BMI is not the only indicator of health risk.

BMI is just one of many factors related to developing a chronic disease (such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes). Other factors that may be important to look at when assessing your risk for chronic disease include:

 

Next to whether you smoke, weight management is the most important measure of your future health. Weight management can be a challenging process. At SHS, we want to help you reduce your health risks and feel better.

WU Resources:

 

Student Health Services

To make an appointment, call 935.6666.

For information on healthy eating, make a nutrition appointment with a Registered Dietitian.

Medical Services can help you determine if you are at an increased risk for disease and whether you should gain or lose weight.

Health Promotion Services provides brochures and other resources. To request a program, call 935.7139.

 

Fitness Facilities

For tips on improving your physical fitness and information about the South 40 Fitness Center, call 935.5023

Visit the Athletic Complex’s website for facility information and hours.

 

Peer Education Group

Reflections members educate the WU community about body image concerns. Email them for more information.

Online Resources

For information about options at the dining facilities on campus, “vital nutrition info,” menu nutrition information, “Ask the Dietitian,” and more, visit the Dining Services website.

Click here to learn how to choose the foods and amounts that are right for you.

Visit the Resource Section of the Centers for Disease Control website for links to more information on BMI, obesity, and nutrition.

Visit the CDC's website to learn more about the CDC’s physical activity recommendations.