Body Mass Index (BMI) is an indicator of the risk of developing health problems by assessing a person’s body weight in correlation with their height. BMI does not directly reflect body fat, general health, or fitness. BMI is used to categorize individuals as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. This article explains how to easily calculate your body mass index. (1,2)
Understanding BMI
The BMI equation applies to most adults; however, it may not be accurate for the following cases:
- Bodybuilders
- Pregnant or lactating ladies
- Elderly
- Children
- People with physical disabilities
The body mass index can be calculated by the following formula:
BMI= weight (kg)/ height (m)2
(kg: kilograms, m: meter)
The result of this formula helps categorize individuals into the following:
- Underweight: If BMI is lower than 18.5
- Normal weight: If BMI is 18.5-24.9
- Overweight: If BMI is 25-29.9
- Obesity: If BMI is 30 or above.
Steps to Calculate BMI
1.Measure Your Weight
For an accurate measure of weight in kilograms (1 pound is approximately 0.45 Kg), weigh yourself first thing in the morning, after using the bathroom, and before eating or drinking. Make sure that the scale is placed flat on the floor.
2.Measure Your Height
Stand up straight with your back against the wall and use a tape measure to measure your height in centimeters (1 inch is approximately 2.54 cm).
3.Calculate Your BMI Using the Formula
Divide your weight in kilograms by the squared height in meters.
Calculation Example
Calculate the BMI of a man weighing 90 kilograms, and his height is 1.79 meters:
- Square of the height: (1.79)2 = 3.2041 m2
- Divide the weight by the squared height: 90 kg/ 3.2 ≈ 28.12 kg/m2
- A BMI of 28.12 falls within the overweight category.
BMI and Diseases
Overweight and obese individuals, with BMIs over 24.9, are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. It is recommended that they lower their weight and exercise more frequently along with following a healthy diet. On the other hand, underweight people can also develop health problems and should consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
References
- https://www.diabetes.ca/en-CA/resources/healthy-living-tools-resources/diabetes-and-you-healthy-living-resources-weight#:~:text=Body%20Mass%20Index%20is%20a,most%20adults%2018%2D65%20years.
- https://www.cdc.gov/bmi/index.html
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