Increasingly, researchers are identifying waistline and body mass measurements as key indicators of our prospects for good health and longevity.  While our waistlines are easy enough to keep track of, our Body Mass Index is a bit more complicated.  Here's one way to calculate it: 

weight in pounds X 703.1

BMI    =     ----------------------------------------- [divided by]

height in inches (squared)

For example, if your weight is 160 lbs. and you are 6 feet tall, you would multiply 160 by 703.1:

160 X 703.1 = 112496

And divide that number by your height in inches squared:

6 feet = 72 inches

72 x 72 = 5184

112496/5184 = 21.7 (rounded to the nearest 1/10th)

That falls near the middle of the healthy range of 18.5 to 24.9.

To learn more about the significance of your BMI and waistline measurements, see pages 20-23 of Eat to Live, by Joel Fuhrman, M.D., and pages 328-325 of Nutritional Sciences: From Fundamentals to Food, by Michelle McGuire and Kathy A. Beerman. 

You may also click on the chart, below:

Note: This chart is for adults (aged 20 years and olders).

NOTE: If you want to calculate your BMI, but would prefer to avoid the math, you can find an online calculator at this address:  http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/