How to check your BMI Score.

As leading suppliers of reliable and accurate scales for over 90 years, our Marsden team are always on-hand to offer assistance and answer any questions regarding our range of gym scales & medical floor scales and their functions.

In this post, we explore what BMI is and how to check your BMI score.

What is BMI?

BMI refers to Body Mass Index and is a measure of your body fat based on your weight and height. Essentially, BMI can determine whether you are a healthy weight for your height by estimating body fat and is therefore used as a guide rather than a diagnostic tool.

BMI does not determine the difference between body fat and muscle and is not the same measurement as body fat percentage. As muscle is denser than fat, it can mean that more muscular people can have an overweight or obese BMI score despite having little body fat.

For a more in-depth look at your body health, take a look at our body composition scales which offer a range of readings, including Body Mass Index, (BMI), Body Fat Percentage, Total Body Water (TBW), Fat Mass (FM) and Muscle Mass (MM).

How to Check Your BMI Score

It’s possible to check your BMI Score using our visual Marsden BMI chart.

First, find your weight in stones along the x-axis and then your height in feet along the y-axis. Where these coordinates meet will indicate your weight in BMI. It’s also possible to calculate your BMI using your weight in kilograms and your height in centimetres.

Our BMI chart is to be used to calculate the body mass index of adults only. You can also check your BMI Score using the online NHS BMI healthy weight calculator.

At Marsden, we also offer a wide range of accurate weighing scales, for both gym use and medical use, with a BMI calculator function.

How to Understand Your BMI Score

As the graph indicates any BMI score below 18 indicates you are underweight. This may mean you aren’t eating enough or are experiencing an underlying health issue. If you are underweight, please consult your GP.

A BMI score between 19 and 25 indicates you are a healthy weight.

A BMI between 26 and 30 indicates you may be overweight. This could lead to health issues but adjusting your diet and increasing your level of exercise can help you to lose weight safely.

If your BMI score is between 31 and 35, then you are considered obese and any BMI score over 35 is extremely obese. Obesity can cause a range of complex health issues and again should be combatted with a balanced diet and active lifestyle.

Waist measurements are also a good way to indicate whether you’re at an increased risk of many serious health conditions, including heart disease. It’s possible to have a BMI score that indicates a healthy weight but still have excess stomach fat that could increase your risk.

You should also be aware that people from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority groups may be at an increased risk of developing long-term conditions, including type 2 diabetes. These adults may be at an increased risk if they have a BMI score of over 23 and at high risk, if they have a BMI score of 27.5 or over.

Marsden Scales with BMI Function

The Marsden M-420 Digital Portable Scale is an ideal weighing scale for GP surgeries and is used by medical professionals around the world. Both Class III and MDD approved, the M-420 boasts a high level of accuracy and can be used to calculate a BMI score. Simply enter the height of the patient before taking a weight reading to automatically calculate their BMI.

The Marsden M-565 Slimming Scale is an entry-level, high capacity scale for gyms, sports clubs and slimming groups with Body Surface Area (BSA) and BMI calculation.

The most affordable of our Marsden fitness and gym scales is the Marsden M-150 Gym and Fitness Scale which includes a height measure and weight readings in both kg and stone to calculate your BMI score.

Download Our A3 BMI Chart

Take a look at our FREE downloadable BMI wall chart and help your clients or patients gain a clearer understanding of BMI, whether you work at a medical centre, GP surgery, pharmacy, gym or sports centre.

Further Reading

Take a look at these Facts & Figures: Obesity Statistics in the UK
Have you ever wondered How do Scales Calculate BMI?
Check out The Ultimate Guide to Calculating BMI