What is Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Definition of Body Mass Index (BMI)

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool that uses the height and weight of a person to calculate the amount of body fat.

It is an easy method to find out whether the person is underweight, overweight, or has an ideal weight.

How to Calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)?

BMI can be calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

BMI = (Weight in kg)/ (Height in m2)

What is the recommended BMI value?

BMI value can be categorized into the following weight types.

· Less than 18.5: Underweight

· 18.5 to 24.9: Ideal Weight

· 25 to 29.9: Overweight

· 30 to 34.9: Class I Obesity

· 35 to 39.9: Class II Obesity

· 40 and higher: Class III Obesity

Limitations of Body Mass Index (BMI)

Although body mass index is a fitness indicator, it has the following limitations.

· BMI doesn’t differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass, So even if a person’s BMI is high he may have high muscle mass and low fat mass.

· BMI recommends the same value for males and females however females have more body fat than males.

· BMI value should not be considered for athletes, bodybuilders, children, teenagers, pregnant women, and people above 65.

What are the health risks of higher BMI values?

Higher BMI values may be associated with the following health issues.

· Heart disease

· Diabetes

· Breathing problems

· High blood pressure

· High cholesterol

· Kidney disease

· Osteoarthritis

· Fertility problems

· Mental health issues