Body Mass Index Chart

A nomogram for determining the degree of overweight

1. To use this nomogram, place a ruler or other straight edge between the column for height and the column for weight connecting an individual's numbers for those two variables. Read the BMI in kg/M2 where the straight line crosses the middle lines when the height and weight are connected. For example, a person of height 165 cm. and weight 95 kg. will have a body mass index of 32 kg/m2 as shown by dotted line in the sketch along which ruler will be placed, indicating that the person is in the range of obesity. Heights and weights are taken without shoes or clothes.

2. One thumb rule to find out whether a person is within the acceptable weight limit is that the perimeter of his abdomen (at navel) should be less than the perimeter of chest (at nipples)

3. A person weighing 10- 19% more than the normal weight is considered overweight and weighing more than 20% beyond the normal weight is considered obese.