Why are BMIs useful ?

Body Mass Index ( BMI) CalculatorThe body mass index ( BMI) was first developed during the early nineteenth century (~1850s) by the Belgian Adolphe quetelet in efforts to establish an easy screening method for determining one's weight proportional to height. In the twenty-first century, when many societies witnessed enormous prosperity, and excessive weight gain and obesity were linked with many illnesses, the use of BMI was gaining popularity as a health risk indicator for the population at large. In particular the case of BMI is an indicator of fat levels and, based on thresholds established (see below) it gives a quantifiable index of one's health as well as risk factors related to body weight. Although the BMI provides a simple and useful screening tool, as we'll discover below, it is also afflicted by several limitations. Thus, any attempt to precisely interpret one's BMI should be discussed with the primary care provider.Body mass index (BMI) equation

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The body mass index ( BMI) can be calculated by measuring a person's body mass index in kilograms (kg) (kg) or pounds (lb) and also the subject's tallness in inches (m) and inches (in). The BMI is then computed by dividing the weight of the person by the square root of his/her height. Thus, weight is normalized to height. By convention, the calculated BMI is in it in the SI units of kg/m 2. If the Imperial (English / U.S.) units of weight (pounds, lb) and length (inches inches, in) are utilized then the calculated number must be multiplied using a conversion ratio of 703.0704 to convert units to kg/m 2.BMI threshold values Table 1. BMI threshold valuesTable 1. (BMI) the threshold value

BMI
(kg/m 2)
Weight Classification Obesity Classification Relative Risk of Disease
< 18.5 Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 Normal
25.0 - 29.9 Overweight Increased
30.0 - 34.9 Obese Obesity Class I High
35.0 - 39.9 Obese Obesity Class II Very High
>= 40.0 Extremely obese Obesity Class III Extremely high

Table 1 lists an overview of the BMI values that are considered normal. "Normal" values are defined as those values that are associated with the highest life expectancy . They range from 18.5 or 24.9 kg/m 2. Body fat accumulation that is excessive is usually associated with an increased risk of developing disease, and as a result, decreases life expectancy. The body's weight is 20% higher than the recommended weight increases the likelihood of suffering from such ailments which include Diabetes (diabetes mellitus type I) hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Table 1 also summarizes the weight categories as well as the risk ratio of diseases associated with different BMI values.The BMI is only one of the many screening measures which have been created to give a quantifiable measure of wellbeing. Waist circumference as well as the waist circumference-to-hip ratio is both other indicators. Furthermore, when looking at body weight and health risks various other risk factors are also considered such as high blood pressure or high LDL cholesterol Low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood glucose levels, biological risk factors for cardiovascular disease and cigarette smoking.Adult BMI Calculator (for individuals aged 20 or older)Each calculator cell shown below corresponds to a term in the formula shown above. Input the appropriate values in all cells , except for the one you wish to determine. So, at the very least two cells must be filled with value, and not more than one cell can be blank. A blank value will be calculated based upon the other values that are entered. There are reverse calculations that are also feasible. For example, in addition to the use of height and weight data when calculating BMI the height as well as the target BMI can be used to calculate the ideal weight for that height. In a less efficient, but equally valuable, the weight as well as a target BMI can be used to determine the height that is optimal for the weight.

SI / Metric Units (kg/m 2) Imperial (English / U.S.) Units (lb/in 2)
Weight g kg
Height cm M
BMI kilograms/m 2

Understanding of BMI valuesFirst and foremost anyone who tries to strictly interpret the value of one's BMI must be supervised by a primary care provider. There are numerous instances in which BMI values may be misleading and might not be accurate in describing the body's fat content. Some are listed below.

  • BMI should be used only for adults. It isn't a reliable screening tool for children or adolescents. For infants and children, clinical growth charts can be used to determine the body's weight. To estimate BMI values for children and teens, aged 2 through 19 years old there is a different calculation is needed to be made.
  • BMI is unusually high in the very tall.
  • Specific sportsmen (e.g., American football players), tend to have high BMI values in spite of the fact that they have higher levels of lean body mass than people of the same age or height, weight and body frame size.
  • BMI threshold values that indicate a higher risk of diseases tend to be slightly lower in men than in women.

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