Know Your Body Mass Index

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Body mass index has recently become a beneficial tool in the quick weight loss plan. All that is required is a calculator, or basic math skills, so it can be figured by anyone. Body mass index gives an objective measurement, that can be combined with age and body type to help the dieter manage their body weight more easily.

Emotion can quickly cloud judgement about one’s body weight. Its good to be eager about the health of one’s body, however, the dieter should try to avoid being overly emotional. Knowledge of the body mass index and how to apply the information it entails to a quick weight loss plan can help to alleviate overwhelming emotions.

Body mass index is the 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 body mass index 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 body mass index 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 body mass index will assist the dieter in choosing the appropriate quick weight loss plan. Those in the higher ranges should consider the health risks linked to a high body mass index. These include, but are not limited to: hypertension, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and increased risk of diabetes. Seek advice from a doctor for more information.

While body mass index can be a helpful tool, its scope is limited. Other factors, such as age, gender and muscle to fat ratio need to be taken into consideration as well. When body mass index is applied to stocky athletes, risk can be overstated. As it may be underestimated on the elderly, or others that generally have less muscle mass. Nor does it take into account the fact that women naturally have a larger body fat percentage than men.

It is helpful to use waist circumference in addition to body mass index while using a quick weight loss plan. 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 larger percentage of fat around the waist than women, but women still store a good percentage of fat here. A waist circumference greater than 36 inches for men indicates an increased risk for Type II diabetes. A woman with a waist circumference of 31 inches or greater has increased risk of type two diabetes.

Body mass index can be a helpful gauge in the determination of the state of one’s health. With the help of body mass index and other tools, the proper quick weight loss plan and exercise plan can easily be ascertained for anyone.

Know Your Body Mass Index
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