BMI

Written by admin on October 10th, 2008 in BMI.

BMI

The body mass index or the BMI is a standard measurement of the height and weight ratio. It was invented in the 19th century in Europe by a sociologist. However it did not become popular in North America until the 1980’s, when the health problems were connected to excessive weight. BMI provides an easy manner to evaluate if we are slim or fat. Body Mass Index (BMI) is applicable for both men and women and also for slim and fat.

Calculations of BMI employ a simple formula which can be illustrated with a computer, or using a pen and paper. The formula of the body mass index = kg/m2. It is calculated by dividing the weight in kilograms by height in meters. The English formula of measurement = (lb/in2) X 703 or weight in pounds divided by height in inches adjusted all multiplied by 703. It is not as difficult to calculate.

The calculation of BMI will give results approximately between 14 and 30. If the index is below 18.5 it shows underweight, if it is between 18.5 - 24.9 it shows normal weight, if the index is between 25.0 - 29.9, it shows excessive weight, if the index is 30 and above it shows obese. While calculating Body Mass Index (BMI) of the children’s age and maturity should be considered. The body mass index was created to evaluate the level of the risk related to the chronic health disorders. There is a direct relation between BMI and certain serious health problems like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and cardiac disorder.

The index is useful on a variety of fronts, but the major goal is weight control. Those with a low body weight should try to attain the normal range, and those who are having excess weight should try to reduce it. Those who are in the early stage of overweight can reduce their weight by their own efforts, whereas those who are close to the obesity should consult a doctor. The health experts are well equipped to suggest you the right solution and give you the best council for each individual.

If your plans are to begin a certain kind of routine of mode and exercise, your final goal should leave you in the normal range. The fixing of goal is important in the loss of weight as in much of other arenas, but the body requires a certain special consideration. Doctors, employ the value of Body Mass Index (BMI) for the medical evaluation, which was not the original goal of the BMI. For example, feeling hot for a person may be warm for other person. The same kind of problem can emerge with the BMI. It is particularly true if you have a limiting value like 26. The BMI is useful in measuring approximate weight of a person, but should not be taken as absolute indicator of health. Since the BMI is calculated only by using the height and weight of a person and it does not consider other factors.

There are some disadvantages with the calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI) because each person is different. The good direction should be employed to evaluate the results, even those who fall in the middle range of the index. Those who are slim and fat should understand the objectivity of the BMI. Though there are certain draw backs, the Body Mass Index (BMI) is very useful to all.

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