Use a BMI Chart to Set Diet Goals

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on a formula that calculates the ratio of your height and weight. Your BMI is an indicator of your appropriate weight for your height and is a more reliable indicator of body fat than just weight alone. It's a good way to find out whether you are normal, overweight or obese.

But that's not all you can use a BMI chart for. You can also use it to track your progress as you diet. For example, when I first went on my diet, I checked the BMI chart to see where my weight fell. I weighed 174 and 5'4" tall. According to a BMI chart that put me in the obese range. Until that moment, I had been telling myself that I was just a little overweight. Knowing the truth can be a powerful motivator. It was for me.

The BMI chart is also handy for tracking how well you are doing on your diet. As my weight went down, I recorded the date on the chart, everytime I passed a milestone weight. In three years of dieting, I moved my BMI from 30 to 22. If I ever need motivation to stay on my diet, I just look at how far I've come on my BMI chart.

Read about the BMI and how you can use it as a tool for weight loss.

• Using a BMI Chart for Obesity Management

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