The general measurement that is now used to define ‘overweight’ is called the Body Mass Index (BMI). This is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both men and women. It is calculated by taking a person’s weight in kilograms and dividing this by their height in metres squared, e.g. a 70kg person with a height of 1.8m has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 70/(1.8x1.8) = 21.6. This is in the normal range.

Please note that the Body Mass Index calculator (BMI) is a guide only. It takes no account of muscle vs fat for example. Using the BMI scale, many athletes, and almost all rugby or American Football players, are classified as overweight. This is because they are solid muscle and weigh heavy for their height. Please use your common sense when applying this calculator - if you are an athlete or an ex athlete you will know if you are a solid human being or a flabby one needing some attention! Other good guides for seeing how overweight you are include: - honestly looking at yourself naked in the mirror and seeing how you look; seeing if you can pinch a handful of flesh around your waist when you stand up or seeing if you always need to buy above average clothes sizes in a range of shops.

Your Height:  Inches (in) Centimeters (cm) Your Weight: Pounds (lbs) Kilograms (kg) Click when you're ready: What BMI Results Mean A BMI of less than 18.5 is considered "Underweight" A BMI of 18.5 - 24.9 is considered "Normal" A BMI of 25 - 29.9 is considered "Overweight" A BMI of 30 or more is considered "Obese" The higher the figure the greater the risk to your health. The BMI does not account for differences between lean mass and fat mass and, therefore, should only be used as a guide. Alongside a 'Waist : Hip Ratio' measurement you would have a more accurate measurement of physical health risk.