Professor George Fernandez studies statistics and says for three months he tried to re-calculate B.M.I. The result: The M-W-L or Maximum Weight Limit.

Suzanne Plaskett says she's in better shape than she's ever been. 40-pounds lighter than when she first arrived here at the Double Diamond Athletic Club a year and half ago, she says she knew she was over weight.

“My body composition was a lot heavier than my frame,” says Plaskett.

Suzanne's trainer Kristen Koski says she didn't use the Body Mass Index on Suzanne, but she has used the guide to help her clients set goals for themselves.

“That's often the first question, well what should I weigh? Where should I be?” says Koski

Used to calculate healthy body weight, the B-M-I uses a complex body formula to determine "ideal" body weight.

“Not to be used by the common person as weight management or weight control,” says Professor George Fernandez the Director of the Center for Research Design and Analysis with the University of Nevada, Reno.

While accurate professor Fernandez says there had to be a better way. That's why he came up with his Maximum Weight Limit index. While it mirrors the B.M.I. it simply tells a person his or her maximum weight. He akins it to the speed limit on roadways.

“The law enforcement, they didn't come and say the ideal speed limit is
75, they say this is your limit,” says Professor Fernandez

Here is how the Maximum Weight Limit Works:

The median height for males is five-feet nine inches tall...his maximum weight is 175 pounds.
For every inch taller than 5’9”, add 5 pounds...for every inch smaller take 5 pounds away.
Median height for women is 5’0”l--maximum weight is 125 pounds.
For every inch taller than 5’0”---add 4.5 pounds---for every inch smaller take 4.5 pounds away.

Professor Fernandez says these calibrations can be done when you reach your maximum height, so even in your 20s you'll know your maximum weight.