Body Mass Index, or BMI, is a calculated number that comes from a person’s height and weight. It is a pretty reliable gauge of body fat. It does not directly measure body fat, but studies show a direct relation of BMI with directly measuring body fat. It is an alternative way to measure body fat. It is a cheap and simple way to test for categories that can cause health issues.
The numbers can be used to discover any possible weight issues in adults. It is not an diagnostic tool. You can have a high BMI. Further testing should be done by a doctor.
Using BMI is the best of all techniques for learning the amount of people that are overweight or obese. Since height and heaviness are all that is needed, inexpensive and effortless for doctors or the public to figure out. With BMI, a person can evaluate their heaviness to the rest of the population.
To figure BMI, use weight/tallness squared for kilograms and weight/tallness squared x 703 for pounds and inches. This method is used for both adults and children.
If you are 20 or older, your BMI is based on standard weight groups that apply to all ages and sexes. For children and those under 20 age and sex have to be taken into consideration.
The normal weight guidelines for adults are:’. 5 to 24. 9 underweight, 25. 0 to 29. 0 overweight, 30 or more obese.
A connection between body and BMI does exist. The connection does differ by sex, race and age.
When trying to determine someone’s risk for developing diseases or illness related to obesity, BMI is not the only thing to look at. The size of the person’s waist and any illnesses or diseases that are known to be caused by obesity, need to be addressed.
According to the BMI weight status categories, anyone with a BMI over 25 would be classified as overweight and anyone with a BMI over 30 would be classified as obese.
Keep in mind that BMI does not measure body fat directly. It is determined using a person’s weight and that includes both muscle and fat. It is possible to have a high BMI number but not be fat. Many people with BMIs in the 30 area or higher have higher levels of body fat.
Keep in mind that weight is only one thing to consider when thinking about disease related risks.
Individuals who are obese or overweight have a significantly increased chance of developing issues or diseases caused by weight problems. Disease, death and weight are all part of the BMI range.
Figuring BMI for children is done the same way as it is for adults. The rules that are used are different. BMI, in children, is specific according to age and sex because body fat changes with age. Girls and boys have differences in body fat.
After being calculated, the number is placed on the CDC BMI for age growth charts to discover the percentage. They are the most widely used gauge to determine the size and growth patterns of children in the United States. The percentile points to the relative position of the child’s BMI number with others of the same age and sex. The growth charts show the weight status categories used with children and teens.
Learn more about your body mass index. Stop by Greg White’s site where you can find an easy to use BMI calculator and many more interactive health tools.