Your BMI (body mass index) is a measure of a person’s body size and combines weight with their height. It is a screening tool used to see if a person is a healthy weight or is obese. If a person’s BMI is outside of the healthy range, their health risks could increase significantly and possibly lead to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. If a person’s weight is too low it could lead to malnutrition, anemia and osteoporosis. The BMI is not a measure of body fat. There are ways to measure that. However, it does screen for potential health problems.
There are several ways to measure a person’s BMI. They are as follows:
1. Metric units-BMI=kg/m2-divide weight in kilograms (kg) by the square of their height in meters (m2). You can measure height in centimeters (cm), divide height in cm by 100 to get height in meters.
2. You can use the imperial system/BMI = lbs x 703. Divide by height in inches squared.
3. Another option is to use a BMI calculator. You can download an app for a BMI calculator.
Ideally, the body mass index should be between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI of less than 18.5 indicates that a person is underweight and may need to put on a few pounds. They may want to seek medical advice from a doctor or see a dietitian.
A BMI of 18.5-24.9 indicates that a person is at a healthy weight for their height. This will help lower the risk of developing serious health problems. A BMI of 25-29.9 indicates that the person is slightly overweight. A doctor or dietitian may advise one to lose weight for health reasons.
CHECK THIS: What’s The Link Between BMI & Diabetes Risk? With Dr. James R. Gavin
When the BMI is over 30 that indicates that a person is heavily overweight. Their health may be at risk if weight loss is not addressed. With this being the case, the following can occur:
1. High blood pressure can increase. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase.
2. It lowers the HDL (high-density lipoproteins) or good cholesterol
3. Diabetes and other health problems can occur
4. Type 2 diabetes can occur
5. Stroke
6. Osteoarthritis
7. Sleep apnea
8. Some forms of cancers (breast and colon cancer)
A child or teenager should monitor their BMI as well. When they carry extra weight, it can affect them when they enter adulthood. Issues with low self-esteem, asthma and sleep apnea are some of the health concerns that they may face.
The bottom line is that with exercise and proper nutrition, we can maintain a healthy BMI and help lower our chances for serious health issues.
Jaena Mebane, a graduate of Fordham University-B.A., Fitness Professional, Bodybuilder and creator of GLUTEUS FABULOUS. My motto is “Inspiring Others to Live a Healthy Lifestyle, Mind, Body, and Soul.” You can find me on Instagram @gluteus_fabulous
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