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Everyone is an individual and differs in size, age and figure type. Health maintenance and appearance are two reasons to find out which category you fit.
Body Mass Index or BMI is a tool for indicating weight status in adults. It is a measure of weight for height.
BMI correlates with body fat. The relation between fatness and BMI differs with age and gender. For example, women are more likely to have a higher percent of body fat than men for the same BMI. On average, older people may have more body fat than younger adults with the same BMI.
How does BMI relate to health?
The BMI ranges are based on the effect body weight has on disease and death. As BMI increases, the risk for some disease increases. Some common conditions related to overweight and obesity include:
- Premature death
- Cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Osteoarthritis
- Some cancers
- Diabetes
BMI is only one of many factors used to predict risk for disease. BMI cannot be used to tell a person if he/she has a disease such as diabetes or cancer. It is important to remember that weight is only one factor that is related to disease.
To calculate your Body Mass index (BMI) use the following calculator:
| Body Mass Index Calculator
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| BMI |
Weight Status |
| Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
| 18.5 - 24.9 |
Normal |
| 25.0 - 29.9 |
Overweight |
| 30.0 and Above |
Obese |
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So you have calculated your BMI and found which weight category your BMI matches. What does this all mean?
BMI is not the only indicator of health risk.
BMI is just one of many factors related to 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 chronic disease include:
- Diet
- Physical Activity
- Waist Circumference
- Blood Pressure
- Blood Sugar Level
- Cholesterol Level
- Family History of disease
All persons who are obese or overweight should try not to gain additional weight. In addition, those who are obese or who are overweight with other risk factors should consider losing weight. A complete health assessment by a physician is the best way to decide the right steps for you.
Limitations of the BMI measurement:
The BMI measurement is a reliable indicator of your total body fat. The score you get is valid for most people over age 18 with the following exceptions:
1. It may overestimate body fat in athletes and those people with a muscular build
2. It may underestimate body fat in older people and others who have lost muscle
The best way to design your own goal is with a physician (bariatrician specializing in weight control) who understands the criteria for measurement.
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.
This is a good reminder that BMI is only one piece of a person's health profile. It is important to talk with your doctor about other measures and risk factors. (e.g., waist circumference, smoking, physical activity level, and diet.)
Studies have shown that for people who are overweight, losing just 10 percent of their body weight dramatically improves their overall health. By losing just 10 % of your body weight, you'll improve conditions related to obesity, such as high-blood pressure, cholesterol levels, sugar metabolism ... decreasing the incidence of cardio vascular diseases.
Don't panic if you think you fall into the obese category.
Call us at (646) 754-2187 to make a complete evaluation of your actual body fat percentage, risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and our weight loss program options.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The Body mass Index calculator is a tool for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It may not be right for you and should not be relied upon in making decisions about your health. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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