Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) the number tells us if we are over weight, obese or under weight. BMI is calculated from the person’s body weight and height. Though BMI does not tell exactly the persons body fat it correlates the person’s body fat. BMI is the parameter which we use to assess the overall risk of developing the heart disease when patients are overweight or obese.
BMI is the most widely accepted method to know if the individual is having the normal or desirable weight as it is inexpensive, convenient method and it is calculated based on height and weight.
BMI is calculated based on the following formula
BMI = Weight in (KG) / Height2 (meters)
Or
BMI = Weight (lbs) * 700 / height (inches)
The following are the BMI ranges which tells us if some body is under weight, normal or over weight.
|
BMI
|
Weight Status
|
|
Below 18.5
|
Underweight
|
|
18.5 – 24.9
|
Normal
|
|
25.0 – 29.9
|
Overweight
|
|
30.0 and Above
|
Obese
|
We can not completely depend on the Body mass index to find out the body fat. The BMI is varies by sex, age and race
- For the same BMI number women might have higher body fat then men
- For the same BMI number older people might have higher body fat then younger people.
- Athletes might have high body mass index due to muscles than due to fat in the body.
The following are the health risk factors if BMI is 30.0 and above
- High Blood Pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Heart attack
- Arthritis
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 11, 2009