
BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a calculation that takes into account your height and weight. The indicator is used as a screening tool or a sign that measures Melbourne FL Animal Removal.
Body Mass Index is regarded as one of the most inexpensive methods of calculating the weight category of someone.
It is important that you know your BMI and what category you fall in such as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese. A high number often indicates high body fat which increases the risk for certain chronic health problems.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, which with a BMI below 18.5 is underweight. People with a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 are considered to have a healthy or normal weight. An adult with a BMI of 30 and above is considered obese.
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater
How is BMI Calculated?
For both adults and children, BMI is calculated the same way. The calculation is based on either the Imperial System of Measurement or the Metric System of Measurement. In the United States, we use the older Imperial System of Measurement where things are measured in feet, inches and pounds.
The two formulas are:
1. Imperial System of Measurement (pounds and inches):
Using the imperial system, BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in pounds (pounds ) by your height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703.
Formula: weight (pound ) / [height (in)]2 x 703
Example: Weight = 200 lbs, Height = 5 ft 5 inches (65 inches)
Calculation: [200 ÷ (65)2] x 703 = 33.27 BMI
2.
Using the metric system, BMI is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms (kg) by your height in meters (m) squared. Because height is often measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters.
Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2
Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m)
Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98 BMI
There are several online tools that may be used to calculate BMI easily and quickly. One of the more popular tools is called the BMI Chart or Body Mass Index Chart. People who are more visually oriented locate the BMI Chart easy to read and understand.
It helps to categorize individuals on the basis of the weight as underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese. For instance, find your height along the left side of graph then locate your weight on top. Then slide your finger down until reach the BMI number at the intersection.
BMI has immense clinical relevance and is a useful measure of overweight and obesity. Generally, having a high BMI increases the risk of developing a range of conditions linked with excess weight, including:
Chronic heart ailments
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High cholesterol levels
Gall bladder diseases
Stroke
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Sleep apnea
Several types of cancer (breast, colon and prostate cancer )
Conversely, having a BMI in the very low range could indicate that your at risk of being malnourished. This means your body might be deprived of vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients.
In addition to BMI, several other factors are also utilised to compute imminent health risks associated with obesity and higher body fat. Factors such as blood glucose level, family history of diseases, smoking, age, sex, level of activity and so forth.
High Body Mass Index is Linked to Diabetes
Researchers have linked obesity to heart ailments, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Obesity is no longer linked to the age factor. Today there are a high number of younger people and children who are diagnosed as overweight and obese.
Even though the exact reason or cause of diabetes is still a puzzle, obesity is one factor that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Studies prove that people that are obese are 80 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
There’s also a greater chance of developing the disease when the individual has accumulated excess fat around the stomach. It is also known as abdominal obesity.
Due to high abdominal fat, the cells release a specific type of chemical which are pro-inflammatory. These chemicals disrupt the use of cells that are responsive to insulin, which makes the body insulin resistant, that’s the principal symptom of diabetes mellitus.
Excessive body fat is also known to change the overall metabolism of the body. Obesity causes the adipose or fat tissues in the body to release fat molecules into the blood stream. This lowers the insulin sensitivity of the body.
Scientists also believe that obesity can cause pre-diabetes, a condition that develops into diabetes at the later stage.
Without regular exercise and a nutritious diet, obesity can cause several ailments apart from diabetes within a brief period of time. However, the great news is that by lowering BMI and reducing body fat, you can also reduce the chance of developing type 2 diabetes and other related health issues.
It is also possible to delay the onset of diabetes by exercising and losing weight gradually.
High Body Mass Index is Linked to Heart Diseases
Known to be one of the main causes of death, heart diseases are directly linked to obesity. One of the most common forms of heart disease occurs when the blood vessels which take blood to the heart become narrow and clogged.
This prevents the heart from receiving the bloodstream it requires for pumping. It can cause heart attacks, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythm etc. There are several types of heart diseases that occur mainly due to obesity.
Heart diseases are often linked to various other disorders such as high blood pressure or hypertension, high blood sugar and high cholesterol levels. These ailments can eventually lead to heart ailments.
Weight loss and regular exercise can help lower the risk of heart ailments as it tends to reduce high blood pressure and blood sugar levels. A healthy and balanced diet is another way to decrease weight and lower the chance of developing cardiovascular disease.
High Body Mass Index is Linked to Strokes
Excessive fat in the human body or the condition known as obesity causes hypertension. Stroke is mainly caused due to elevated blood pressure. Strokes can be prevented by reducing body weight which in turn reduces blood pressure level. It is therefore quite pertinent to maintain blood pressure level under control.
There are many ways to reduce obesity and control your weight. Healthy eating and regular exercise are the two simple ways to prevent obesity and other related health difficulties. Have a balanced and healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein like poultry, fish, soy and nuts.
Another method to promote weight loss is bariatric surgery that’s considered to be very effective as it reduces numerous health risks associated with obesity.