Do I Need To Know My Body Mass Index

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A recently acquired tool in weight management is body mass index. All that is required is a calculator, so it can be figured by anyone. The objective measurement provided by the BMI supplies a more clear picture of a person‘s dietary needs. Do I need to know my body mass index?

Emotion can quickly blur judgement about one’s body weight. Its good to be enthusiastic about the health of one’s body, although, the dieter should try to avoid being overly emotional. Learning about BMI and how to utilize its information to a healthy diet plan can help with this.

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 guidelines provided by the BMI will assist the dieter in choosing the appropriate plan for their needs. Those in the higher ranges should consider the health risks linked to a high BMI. These include, but are not limited to: hypertension, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased risk of diabetes. Ask a doctor for more information.

The BMI is a beneficial tool, however its scope is limited. Other factors, such as age, gender and muscle to fat ratio need to be taken into consideration as well. When BMI is applied to stocky athletes, risk can be overestimated. As it may be underestimated on the elderly, or others that generally have less muscle mass. Neither does it allow for the naturally greater fat content found in women‘s bodies.

Using BMI in combination with waist circumference can be helpful. Fat is stored in great quantities around the waist which makes these two numbers work together to clarify a person‘s dietary needs. Men store a greater percentage of fat around the waist than women, but women still store a good amount of fat here. A waist circumference greater than 36 inches for men indicates an increased risk for Type II diabetes. A waist circumference greater than 31 inches for women indicates an increased risk of Type II diabetes.

BMI can be a helpful gauge in the determination of the state of one’s health. With the help of BMI and other tools, the proper diet and exercise plan can easily be defined for anyone.

Do I Need To Know My Body Mass Index
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