Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index: Healthy Weight Range, Not Ideal Weight

Another point of view... There is no such thing as an ideal body weight - at best, there is only a healthy weight range. To determine this healthy weight range, and whether you are a normal weight, overweight, or obese, doctors use a height-weight system called Body Mass Index. Body Mass Index is a measure which takes into account a person’s weight and height to gauge weight status in adults of either gender.

The Fact About BMI

Body Mass Index is far from perfect as there are more accurate methods of measuring body fat percentage - like, underwater-weighing, skin-fold caliper or bioelectrical impedance - nevertheless, it provides a useful guide to overweight and obesity!

Body Mass Index Drawback

Body Mass Index does not consider lean body mass. It is possible for a healthy, muscular individual with low body fat to be classified as obese using the Body Mass Index formula.

Body Mass Index Formula

The Body Mass Index uses your body height and weight. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters.

How to Determine Whether Your Weight is Healthy?

• BMI is in the range 19 to 24.9, you have a healthy weight.
• BMI is in the range 25 to 29.9, you are considered to be overweight and may incur moderate health risks. For example, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are all linked to being overweight.
• BMI is 30 or above, you are considered to be obese. Obesity is associated with increased risk of cancer, heart disease and other health problems. A BMI of 30 and over increases the risk of death from any cause by 50 to 150 percent, according to some estimates.
• BMI is 35 or above and you have a waist size of over 40 inches (men) and 35 inches (women) you are considered to be at especially high risk for health problems.
• If your BMI is 40+ you are considered to be seriously obese and at a very serious risk of health problems.

Note: Above BMI 25, the higher the BMI, the greater the risk of developing additional health problems.

Body Mass Index and Weight Loss

According to health experts, people who are overweight but who have no other health risk factors (such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure) should focus on healthy eating and regular exercise to keep from gaining additional weight.

For people who are overweight and also have health risks, they recommend trying to actively lose weight. Consult your doctor or other health professional before beginning any exercise or weight-loss program.

Health Risks of Obesity

• High blood pressure and stoke are twice as common in obese people.
• Evidence is strong that obesity increases the risk of breast cancer (after menopause), womb cancer and kidney cancer. Obesity may also increase the risk of colon cancer.
• Gall bladder disease is three times as likely to occur in middle-aged obese women.
• Diabetes is four times more common in middle-aged obese people than in middle-aged people of normal weight.
• Coronary heart disease is twice as common in obese men under 45.
• Osteoarthritis is more painful and less easily treatable if the person is obese.
• Severe obesity may cause shortage of breath, varicose veins, backache and even psychological problems.

Remember, if your Body Mass Index is 30 or above, you are obese !