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Health calculators
Body mass index: What's your BMI?
The body mass index (BMI) calculator is designed for an adult with an average body type. It is not designed for pregnant women or children.
The BMI calculator is not necessarily indicative of your overall health. It does not take into account your frame (for example, the broadness of your shoulders or the size of your pelvis) or your muscle mass. If you are concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor. To determine the body mass index of someone who is 2 to 19 years old, use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's BMI calculator for children and teens. For more fitness information, visit Be Healthy. |
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Calorie burn rate: How many calories would you use?
The burn rate calculator provides an approximation of the number of calories you will burn. Keep in mind that the amount of energy that you put into an exercise activity, the equipment you use and your body type will all affect burn rate. For more fitness information, visit Be Healthy. |
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Caloric requirements: How many calories do you need?
The calorie calculator provides the number of calories needed to maintain your weight. It does not take into account the types of food you should eat to maintain your health. Remember that a balanced diet, as prescribed in the Food and Drug Administration's food pyramid, is the most accepted way to maintain a healthful diet. For more about diet and nutrition, visit Be Healthy. |
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Ideal weight: How much should you weigh?
The ideal weight calculator is designed for an adult with an average body type. It is not designed for pregnant women
The ideal weight calculator is not necessarily indicative of your overall health. It does not take into account your frame (for example, the broadness of your shoulders or the size of your pelvis) or your muscle mass. Bodybuilders will often score as overweight or obese because they have more muscle on their bodies, and muscle is heavier than fat.
If you are concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor. For weight loss and fitness information, visit Be Healthy. |
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Source: Calle EE et al. New England Journal of Medicine 1999; 341:1097-1105
Keys A et al. Journal of Chronic Disease 1972;25:329
First published: 8/1/2000
Last updated: 10/4/2004
Reviewed by: Paul Kleeberg, MD, medical director, Internet/Intranet Services, Allina Hospitals & Clinics
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