John Haney

slm 521 sp 03

4/7/03

Web Drop-in #3

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Grades 9-12

Web Drop-in #3

Body mass index is often talked about when finding out your ideal weight. The body mass index compares your weight to your height. It then compares your numbers to norms that have been established for the general population. Click on the BMI link below to read about body mass index. Calculate your own BMI and answer the questions below in your journals. Click on the BMI Chart link to see how you compare to others and what your ideal weight should be according to the charts. Think of limitations to the BMI. Make sure to support your answers as we will be discussing them at the end of class.

BMI BMI Chart

1. What is body mass index? How is it calculated?

2. Calculate your BMI and record it below.

3. Using the chart, what is your ideal weight range?

4. What are some limitations to BMI?

5. In your opinion, is BMI a good method to use in determining if someone is obese or overweight? Why or why not?

6. What factors do you think are important for determining if someone is overweight or not? Make sure you justify why you chose each factor. We will be discussing your answers with the class.