Why is it Important to Know Body Mass Index (BMI)
Body mass index (BMI) is a medical metric used to estimate the body’s fat content. According to BMI, the main body weight categories are underweight, optimal weight, overweight and obese.
Apart from the body’s fat content, the BMI is also an indicator of general health. Doctors can use the BMI reading of a person to determine their risk of several diseases, such as metabolic or heart diseases. A knowledge of BMI, its calculation and its importance can help one design a roadmap for a healthier life.
What is Body Mass Index?
BMI index is a medical metric for determining body fat content. A higher BMI is usually associated with high body fat. Depending on the BMI reading, the different weight classes are defined as follows:
- Underweight: BMI less than 18
- Optimal Weight: BMI between 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: BMI between 25 to 29.9
- Class 1 Obese: BMI between 30 to 34.9
- Class 2 Obese: BMI between 35 to 39.9
- Class 3 Obese: BMI over 40
An optimal BMI indicates the right amount of fat required for the body’s functioning. High body fat (overweight and obese) is associated with an elevated risk of heart problems, stroke, diabetes, sleep apnea and depression. Low body fat (underweight) is associated with malnutrition, anaemia, infertility, weak immune system and osteoporosis. However, BMI alone is not an indicator of good or bad health. Doctors usually use BMI along with other diagnostic tools to make an assessment.
How is BMI Calculated?
Body weight in kilograms (kg) is divided by the square height in metres square (m2) to calculate BMI. The BMI formula thus can be stated as:
BMI=Weight (kg)/square of height (m2)
In case the body weight is in pounds or the height is in centimetres/inches, appropriate conversion factors express them in kilograms and metre squares, respectively.
Standard BMI charts are usually available in hospitals and healthcare centres for different weight and height units to directly determine one’s BMI value based on body weight and height visually. However, using the BMI chart to determine the BMI of children and teenagers is usually not advised.
What is the Importance of BMI?
The knowledge of body mass index (BMI) is vital for the following reasons:
- Screening for Health Risks
A low BMI (under 18.5) indicates a high risk of developing:
- Malnutrition
- Anaemia
- Weak immune system and subsequently frequent illnesses and infection
- Osteoporosis
- Infertility
A high BMI, on the other hand, indicates a higher risk of developing:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Gallstones
- Arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Cancers such as gallbladder, colon and breast cancer
- Various mental health problems, such as depression
The BMI value and other diagnostic tools can help the doctor identify existing health risks and advise on precautions and ways to reduce them, promoting a better quality of life.
- Targeting Ideal Body Weight
The BMI value can provide an assessment of being underweight or overweight. Additionally, using the optimal BMI value for a certain height, one can make lifestyle and diet modifications to target an optimal body weight. Furthermore, tracking BMI values also helps one track weight loss or gain.
- Designing a Personalized Health Plan
A knowledge of BMI and medical history can help a doctor design a customised health plan to achieve a healthy body weight over an appropriate period. The health plan can include precise information on lifestyle changes, diet, exercise and other parameters to achieve overall well-being.
- Boosting Confidence
An optimal BMI reading can elevate one’s spirits and boost general confidence, contributing to a better quality of life and overall well-being.
Body mass index is one of the vital indicators of overall health. Doctors use BMI value along with other metrics to assess one’s risk of several diseases. Knowing BMI can empower one to create a plan for a healthier lifestyle and take proactive steps to minimise health risks.
For a comprehensive understanding of one’s general health status, consult a doctor and book an obesity panel test at Dr Lal PathLabs today!
FAQs
1. What are the limitations of BMI?
Some limitations of BMI are:
- BMI does not differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass. Hence, someone with a higher muscle mass would come into the overweight or obese category depending on BMI despite having a healthy fat content.
- Males and females have different optimal fat content. However, inaccuracies can arise since the same BMI chart is used to determine the BMI for males and females.
- The BMI chart has yet to be updated following rising adult height over the years.
2. Does a healthy BMI denote good health?
Optimal BMI alone is not an indicator of good health. Doctors usually use BMI with other metrics to assess a person’s overall health.
