What Is Body Mass Index

A useful tool for dieters has been developed over the last twenty years. It is known as body mass index or BMI. As only simple math is needed, anybody can determine their body mass index. Many people think of BMI as a body fat calculator. BMI, used in conjunction with age, gender and body type will paint the most complete picture of the best weight loss diet for any
dieter.

Judgment can be skewed by emotion and you can be easily encumbered by your emotion. Do not take this the wrong way; it is good to be excited about losing weight, nevertheless, you should try to avoid becoming overly emotional when seeking the best weight loss diet. Being aware of, and using, body mass index and the information it provides will help you as you seek
the best weight loss diet.

BMI is a ratio of weight to height squared. Divide weight in kilograms, one pound=.454 kilograms, by height in meters squared, one inch=2.54 centimeters.

For example: A person that is 5’7” tall, and weighs 120 pounds would have a BMI of 18.81.

This is how that figure is obtained.

Height: 67 inches x 2.54cm/in=170.18 cm=1.7018m
Height squared: 1.7018 x1.7081=2.896
Weight: 120 pounds x .454kg/lb=54.48 kg

Apply these values to the BMI equation, Divide 54.48 by 2.896 and the result is 18.81.

The following table will help make sense of an otherwise meaningless number.

18.5 and under- underweight

18.51-24.99- Normal

25-29.99-Overweight

30-34.99- Obese Class 1

35-39.99- Obese Class 2

40 and over- Extremely obese

The best weight loss diet can be found for you by using BMI. If you happen to fall into the higher ranges of  body mass index, you need to become familiar with the health risks associated with a high BMI. Included in these are: hypertension,increased risk of cardiovascular disease, increased risk of diabetes, increased risk of stroke. Talk to your physician to obtain more
information.

Body mass index is a useful tool, however, its scope is limited. Age, gender, and muscle to fat ratio are some other factors that need to be considered in the best weight loss diet. The risk for a stocky athlete may be less than what BMI determines. And risk may well be understatedwhen used on the elderly or anyone else with less muscle mass. It also does not consider the fact that women have a naturally higher body fat percentage than men.

Waist circumference, in addition to body mass index, can help to determine your individual needs. A greater percentage of fat is stored around the waist in men than in women. A waist circumference of thirty six inches or larger in men indicates a larger risk of type two diabetes. A waist circumference of thirty one inches or more indicates this risk in women.

Body mass index is a useful tool in determining your dieting needs. The best weight loss diet for you can be found with the help of BMI. Good health to you!