Definitions
Try a few body mass index (BMI) calculations using the BMI calculator from this external website, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Obesity Education Initiative.
If you do not have a calculator or tables, you can still calculate BMI using these formulas:
BMI = wt (kg) / ht (m)2
BMI = wt (lbs) / ht (in)2 x 703
Measuring your patient's waist may be as important as BMI. The waist measurements below increase the risk of suffering the complications of obesity.
> 40 inches in men
> 35 inches in women
Caveat
Muscle mass vs. fat mass: muscle mass weighs more than fat mass so observe the muscular development in your patient. They might be lean and muscular, but have a high BMI.
Did you try your own?
Ht = 5'2'' Wt = 185 lbs.
Ht = 5'4" Wt = 160 lbs.
Ht = 5'6'' Wt = 230 lbs.
Ht = 5'8' Wt = 175 lbs.