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Tiny Bites Calculations

Part I: Body Measurements

A. Body Mass Index (BMI)

BMI is an estimate of body fat based on a person's weight in relation to their height. BMI values apply to both men and women.

  • Overweight is defined as having a BMI of 25.
  • Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or more.
BMI does not apply to pregnant and nursing women, frail or elderly persons, or persons under 18. Similarly, BMI is not always accurate for athletes and body builders.

Please enter the following information (it will be used later to compute your BMI):

Your height: feet inches
Your weight: lbs

B. Central Obesity - Waist Circumference (WC)

Excess abdominal fat, in and of itself, can be an accurate predictor of one's risk of experiencing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or stroke.

  • BMI estimates how much fat we carry.
  • WC estimates the relative distribution of fat around the body's midsection and abdomen.
  • WC greater than
    • 35 inches or 89 cm is considered unhealthy for women.
    • 40 inches or 102 cm is considered unhealthy for men.
  • Health risks increase when the excess WC is matched with a BMI greater than 25.

To determine your WC, use a tape measure in either standard or metric units.

  • Place the measuring tape just above the navel. The tape should be horizontal with the floor; it should not compress the skin or sink into the navel depression.

Enter your WC: inches   
Your gender: Female Male

Back to Introduction

Adapted from: Food Talk, August 1997 (Sources)
USA.gov - Your First Click to the US Government
NASA
  • Editor: Mae Hafizi
  • NASA Contact: Janine Hardin
  • Updated: July 18, 2005