Introduction
The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body weight based on an adult person’s height and weight. It is calculated by dividing the weight (in kilograms) by the square of the height (in meters) and expressed in kg/m2. For example, A BMI of 20 means 20kg/m2. This value can be used as a general rule of thumb to categorize a person as underweight, normal, overweight, or obese and thus determine if they have a healthy weight. Following are the ranges used to determine the BMI:
| BMI (kg/m2) | Category |
|---|---|
| Less than 18.5 | Underweight |
| 18.5-24.9 | Normal |
| 25-29.9 | Overweight |
| 30 or greater | Obese |
You can calculate the BMI using the calculator here and then compare the value with the table above.
Let’s take a look at each of these categories in more detail to explore what these different categories mean for you.
Underweight
Having a BMI less than 18.5 is usually considered to be underweight. This could be a sign of malnutrition, an eating disorder or other health problems. Increase your food intake to increase your weight and thus your BMI. If this does not work, you should consult your GP since it could be due to an underlying medical condition.
Normal
The preferred BMI range of a healthy individual is in the range of 18.5-25 kg/m2. If you are already within this range, keep up the good work. This can be achieved by a healthy diet and regular exercise. Take a look at why regular exercise is such an important aspect of our day-to-day lives.
Problems associated with high BMI
A BMI greater than 25 is considered to be overweight and this, in turn, could be a red flag regarding potential health problems. Try to decrease your weight by a combination of a healthy diet and exercise regime. Seek the help of a healthcare professional for more guidance.
Accuracy and Limitations
A person’s BMI is only accurate in determining a person’s overall health to a certain limit. This is because you cannot determine the exact muscle-to-fat ratio using this method. For example, 2 people could have the same BMI but one could have a greater muscle-to-fat ratio and thus be healthier and look leaner.
The BMI cannot be calculated properly in pregnant women due to the excess weight of the fetus. Therefore, they should use their pre-pregnancy weight to evaluate the BMI even though this may not be the actual current value.
For children and teenagers, the age and gender also have to be considered in addition to weight and height when calculating the BMI. A child who is overweight is at increased risk of developing various health conditions during their adult life such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
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High cholesterol
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Some types of cancers
Hence, it is crucial that people with a high BMI focus on weight reduction as early as possible.
Beyond these limitations that we have discussed, the BMI is a quite simple and convenient way to get an assessment of someone’s weight.
What next?
So now that you know your BMI, and the importance of maintaining it within the normal range, what should you do next? Take action today for better health by engaging in the following:
- Exercise regularly
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Eat a balanced diet rich in all nutrients
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Sleep 7-8 hours every night
Check out this link if you need more convincing to start exercising today.