What is BMI and How is it Calculated? Body Mass Index Explained

Health is a growing concern for many of us. Trying to change eating habits, exercise regimes, and general lifestyle can be a difficult task leaving many people wondering how to begin. A great place to start your journey is to first identify your current fitness level, outline your goals, and set deadlines of when you would like to accomplish said objectives. One way to assess your fitness level is by using what is known as the BMI or Body Mass Index. It uses a simple mathematical equation of both your height and weight. If you are using the metric system, the calculation is: mass (kg)/[height (m)]2=BMI, if you prefer imperial measurements, the equation is determined: mass (lb)/[height (in)2 x 703. This calculation will provide you with number that categorizes your weight as underweight (BMI of less than 18.5), optimal weight (BMI of 18.5-25), overweight (BMI of more than 25), obese class Imoderately obese(BMI of 30-35), obese class II severely obese(BMI of 35-40), and obese class IIIvery severely obese (BMI of more than 40). If you are using the BMI for assessing a child's weight category, the calculation in done the same as the adult but it is then compared to a set of typical values for children of the same age and sex. A child who's BMI fell less than the 5th percentile register as underweight, and between 85th and 95th percentile can be ranked as overweight, if over the 95th childhood obesity is present. What health risks are present when your BMI reaches 25+? HypertensionDyslipidemia (Cholesterol concerns)Type 2 (Adult Onset) DiabetesStrokeHeart diseaseSleep apnea & respiratory conditionsGallbladder diseaseThe list goes on!What health risks are present when your BMI falls below 18? MalnourishmentCompromised immune functionOsteoporosisDigestive diseaseIncreased risk of fall and fractureWeaknessEtc.One concern of BMI calculation is that factors such as frame size, certain body types, and extreme heights on either end of the spectrum, certain ethnic groups, athletes, and muscle mass may give inaccurate calculations failing to account for fluctuating proportions of bone, fat, cartilage, water weight and more.* If you fall into one of these categories and feel that BMI may not be an accurate measure of healthy weight for you and your body type, there are other ways to check! Two of the more popular methods are Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) and Waist to Height Ratio(WHtR). WHR is calculated by measuring your hips at the widest part of your buttocks and the circumference of your natural waist, just above the navel. Then divide the hips by the waist (H/W). Sex is also taken into account here, as women with a ratio of less than 0.8 and men of 0.9 are considered safe, while 1.0 are categorized as at risk for obesity and health concerns. WHtR, which best accounts for athletes such as body builder or women with pear shape forms as opposed to apple, can be calculated by dividing your waist by your height. A WHtR less than 50.0% is generally considered healthy, while anything over presents an increased risk of disease. Ronna Kaleah views the world from her perspective and pens down what she thinks need a second thought, not to mention what needs to be tracked for the daily references too.Living a life Full of health and fitness is difficult, but it is not impossible. Read through this and find out what BMI is and how it is calculated. Rate this Article

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Ronna Kaleah has published 53 articles. Article submitted on November 18, 2013. Word count: 496

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