BMI Calculator
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What is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used metric for assessing whether an individual's weight is within a healthy range for their height. It is a straightforward and useful tool that provides a general idea of whether you are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on your weight and height.
BMI RANGES
A healthy BMI is in the 18.5 to 24.9 range for the majority of adults. This is definitely the case in individuals with a normal musculature.
BMI | WEIGHT STATUS |
---|---|
Below 18.5 | Underweight |
18.5 - 24.9 | Healthy |
25.0 - 29.9 | Overweight |
30.0 - and Above | Obese |
BMI RANGES
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HOW TO CALCULATE BMI?
Simply put, the body mass index (BMI) is a measure that uses your height and weight to work out if you are a healthy size and calculate your BMI measurement.
Your BMI is found by dividing an adult’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared. The resulting number—usually between about 15-40—shows whether that person is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or obese.
For those aged 2 to 18, the BMI calculation doesn’t just take into account their height and weight. Their age and gender are incorporated into the equation as well.
ACCURACY OF BMI MEASUREMENTS
There are some great benefits to the BMI formula. It takes natural variations in people's body shapes into account, allowing a healthy weight range according to their height. In giving an absolute reading that can be applied across the board in this way, BMI measurements supply very useful data from which healthcare and fitness professionals can take their cues.
That being said, there are several other factors that need to be taken into account when deciding how overweight individuals actually are. For many people, a BMI reading may not prove an accurate testament to their body fat levels.
Muscle is far denser than fat. As a result, very muscular people, such as bodybuilders and certain athletes, may have healthy body fat levels even though they would be classed as obese by their BMI measurements. This is because they will have extra weight in the form of muscle.
People with above-average levels of muscle mass should therefore be cautious when working out their BMI—it will no doubt be higher than their body fat levels might suggest.
In addition, BMI should not be used as a measure of weight during pregnancy—when you’re expecting, you’re meant to be heavier than normal in relation to your height!
Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner if you're in any way concerned about your weight.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS OF BEING OVERWEIGHT?
Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of various health problems, including:
- Cardiovascular Disease: Excess weight can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It can lead to insulin resistance and impaired glucose metabolism.
- Joint Problems: Carrying excess weight puts added stress on the joints, increasing the risk of conditions like osteoarthritis.
- Sleep Apnea: Obesity is a common cause of sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep.
- Certain Cancers: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, colorectal, and kidney cancer.
- Mental Health Issues: Weight-related stigma and body image concerns can contribute to mental health problems like depression and anxiety.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS OF BEING UNDERWEIGHT?
Being underweight can also pose health risks, including:
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Underweight individuals may not be getting enough essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
- Weakened Immune System: A lack of proper nutrition can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
- Decreased Bone Health: Inadequate weight and nutrition can lead to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Fertility Issues: Being underweight can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially leading to fertility problems in both men and women.
- Reduced Muscle Mass: Lack of muscle mass can result in weakness and decreased physical performance.