BMI - Body Mass Index

what is BMI ? BMI Formula Why is BMI important
Interpretation of BMI BMI Limitations your BMI

There are thousands of pages on the Net which compute your BMI. Although the formula is the same, the interpretation of BMI varies from site to site, country to country. But let's see what is BMI...

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Interpretation of BMI
Adolphe Quetelet decided that if the result of the calculation was greater than 30, it signaled obesity. This is still a good rule of thumb, but over the years nutritionists have developed more refined ways to interpret BMI values. For example, different BMI values can mean you are underweight, ideal weight, slightly overweight or obese, and these BMI ranges are slightly different for men and women. The table below is the most complete one [www.iupui.edu ]:

Range
Interpretation
Risk
Women
Men
< 19.1
< 20.7
 Underweight The lower the BMI, the greater the risk
19.1 – 25.8
20.7 – 26.4
 Ideal weight Normal, very low risk
25.8 – 27.3
26.4 – 27.8
 Marginally overweight Some risk
27.3 – 32.2
27.8 – 31.1
 Overweight Moderate risk
32.3 – 44.8
31.1 – 45.4
 Very overweight or obese High risk
> 44.8
>45.4
 Morbid obesity Very high risk

As I already told you, interpretation of BMI varies slightly. For instance,
  • [www.mayohealth.org ] – Your BMI should fall within the healthy range of 19 to 25. If you're at the upper end of this range or score more than 25, consider losing enough weight to lower your BMI at least one or two numbers. A BMI of more than 27 is considered overweight.
  • [www.healthstatus.com ] – BMIs between 19.5 and 23.5 are considered optimum by most professionals. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and one 30 or above is considered obese.
  • [healthchecksystems.com ] – A BMI value of 23-26 is average, but you may want to begin a healthful diet and exercise program to bring your BMI down to the more healthful 19-23 range.
  • [www.drchampion.com ] – BMI less than 25- Not at Risk. 26-27- Borderline. 27-35- Definite Increased Risk. 35-39- Candidate with Comorbidity's. 40+ - Surgery Indicated
  • [www.nhlbisupport.com ] – 25-29.9 overweight. 30+ obese
  • [www.wj.net ] – BMI <25 ok. 25-29 overweight. 30+ obese
  • [www.azfamily.com ] – Underweight -- less than 18.5. Normal -- 18.5-24.9. Overweight -- 25-29.9. Obese -- 30-39. Extremely Obese -- 40+
  • [www.wahyan.edu.hk ] – The acceptable range is 20-25. Obesity is taken to start at a BMI of 30 and gross obesity at 40. A BMI of 18-20 is defined as mild starvation and severe starvation begins when BMI falls below 16.
  • [www.drsref.com.au ] – Underweight < 20. Ideal 20-25. Overweight 25-30. Obese> 30
  • [www.mscinc.com ] – Underweight <18. Ideal Weight 19-24. Slightly Overweight 25-26. Overweight 27-29. Moderately Obese 30-34. Obese 35-39. Severely Obese 40+
  • this can continue...
Limitations
[NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH ]: Assessment of overweight involves evaluation of three key measures
  • body mass index (BMI),
  • waist circumference,
  • a patient's risk factors for diseases and conditions associated with obesity.
[www.mylifepath.com ]: Using BMI to predict overweight still has its limitations, though. It doesn't take frame size into account, so people with stockier builds may be considered overweight even if they don't have a lot of body fat.

Tests that physically measure body fat and distribution are better than BMI at telling if you are overweight. A fatfold measure, for example, uses a instrument called calipers to measure the thickness of the fat layer on your arm or stomach. A bioelectrical impedance test how fast electricity travels through your body (fatty tissue slows down the current) to tell what percentage of the body is fat. These tests involve a physical measurement at a gym or doctor's office.

Also, BMI is not a good predictor of overweight for:

  • Children and teens, because BMI ranges are based on adult heights
  • Competitive athletes and bodybuilders, because heavier muscle weight may skew the results
  • Pregnant or nursing women, because they need more fat reserves than usual
  • People over 65, because even BMI values of 29 do not appear to be unhealthy at this age, and may even be a useful energy reserve in case of illness
Disclaimer: Information provided may not be accurate and is not designed or intended to serve as medical advice. I shall not be liable for any physical or psychological damages suffered as a result of using this information. Please consult your doctor before attempting to make any significant change in your weight
 
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March 2003
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