| BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measurement
formula based on your weight-height ratio to determine
whether you have healthy percentage of body fat. As
a person's BMI increases, the risk for many diseases
increases as well.
BMI does not measure body fat. Two people can have
the same BMI, but a different percent body fat. A bodybuilder
with a large muscle mass and a low percent body fat
may have the same BMI as a person who has more body
fat because BMI is calculated using weight and height
only.
It is equal to the weight, divided by the square of
the height:
Weight
----------
Height2
Metric Calculation
Height: Meters
(Note: 1 Meter = 100cm)
Weight: Kilograms
Healthy Weight: The BMI is a
widely used weight-assessment system which scores each
person according to his or her height and weight. In simple
terms, the higher your BMI score, the greater the risk
of developing weight-related health problems.
How Body Mass Index Classifies Weight
Under 20 = Underweight
Between 20 and 24.99 = Normal Weight
Between 25 and 29.99 = Overweight
Between 30 and 34.99 = Obese
Between 35 and 39.99 = Very Obese
40 and above = Morbid Obesity
How Body Mass Index Classifies Weight-Related Health
Risk
BMI of < 20.00 - Risk = Moderate to Very High
20.00 to 21.99 - Risk = Low
22.00 to 24.99 - Risk = Very Low
25.00 to 29.99 - Risk = Low
30.00 to 34.99 - Risk = Moderate
35.00 to 39.99 - Risk = High
BMI of > 40.00 - Risk = Very High
Ideal weight in males: 22.5 x height in m2
Ideal weight in females: 21.2 x Height in m2
It may be noted that BMI is just one, albeit an important
factor that indicates the risk of your developing a
chronic disease (such as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes).
Other factors that may be important to look at when
assessing your risk for diabetes or other chronic disease
include:
- Blood Pressure
- Blood Sugar Level
- Cholesterol Level
- Family History of disease
- Habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
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