Body mass index (BMI) is often used to determine whether a person has right growth and development. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good way to approximate healthy weight of people.It is an indication of overweight, underweight or healthy weight of people. It is a measurement tool that uses height and weight to estimate body fat of person. Too much body fat can lead to illnesses and other health problems. Although, it is not a perfect method for judging someone’s weight but is a good way to check growth of children.
Body Mass Index is the ratio of fat in your body to the rest of your body’s weight. Recent government studies have suggested that BMI of over 25 contains too much fat and BMI of 30 or more is considered obese. It can indicates the risk of the serious health problems that are associated to being overweight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
Who can use BMI?
It is the best evaluation of weight. Almost every people can use this BMI, however it is not appropriate for children under the age of two.
Even if you have little body fat, having lots of muscle may put you in the unhealthy range. Such as, professional rugby players can have ‘obese’ BMIs in spite of having very little body fat. But, this will not apply to most people.
The BMI ranges for adults:
Every people have different shapes and sizes. A range of BMI scores indicate a healthy weight for adults. The ranges provided below are only applied to adults. BMI results are construed differently for children.
BMI Categories:
- Underweight = <18.5
- Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
- Overweight = 25-29.9
- Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
BMI below 18.5:
This score indicate that you may be underweight. A number of possible reasons are responsible for this. For more information, you can read Nutrition for underweight adults.
BMI 18.5-24.9:
It is a healthy range. This range indicates that you’re a healthy weight for your height. But, it’s still essential to eat a healthy, balanced diet and include physical activity in your daily life for maintaining a healthy weight.
BMI 25.0 or more:
This score indicates that your BMI is above the ideal range. Risk of heart disease, stroke and type – 2 diabetes may be increased by excess of weight.
How to Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)?
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated by the formula which was developed by Belgium statistician Adolphe Quetelet (1796-1874), and was known as the Quetelet Index. It is also referred to as ‘body mass indicator’.
To calculate BMI, follow steps which are given below:
- To find your Body Mass Index (BMI), accumulate a few household materials like your bathroom scale; a yardstick; a pencil and paper and calculator.
- Weigh yourself in terms of pound on your bathroom scale.
- Using the yardstick, measure your height in inches.
- Then for further calculation, use the pencil, paper and calculator.
- Square the number of your height in inches. (i.e. multiply the number of inches by the same number of inches)
- Divide your weight in pounds by the square of your height.
- Then, multiply that answer by 703. Finally, you have your Body Mass Index.
- Judge your personal BMI result against the BMI scale which is given above.
BMI does not account for muscle mass and so a short individual who has a large mass will be considered obese according to the BMI.
Also, you can calculate your BMI directly from www.nhlbisupport.com
Tips:
- BMI is only an estimate of body composition; the percentage of body fat is a better indicator of a healthy weight.
- Don’t be disheartened if you don’t lose weight, as long as you are losing inches. You may be gaining muscle mass, which weighs more than fat.
- Do not try to lose weight if you are not overweight. Being underweight can be dangerous same as being overweight.
How To Calculate Your Ideal Body Mass Index video from Youtube:
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI) video from Youtube:
