Body Mass Index

Body Mass Index (BMI) is an important method which is used to measure the height and weight ratio of a person. There are different categories according to the results of this calculation which give an idea about the general health and body fat. The calculations of BMI are the same for adults and teenagers or children, however, the interpretations may differ.

Calculation of BMI

BMI for adults could be calculated by an easy formula. For countries using the metric system, BMI could be calculated by dividing the individual’s weight in kilograms to the individual’s height in meters squared. For the countries using the imperial system, the formula that can be used is the individual’s weight in pounds multiplied by 703 and divided by the height of the individual in inches squared.

Categories According to the Result of BMI Calculation

The BMI scale is generally divided into four categories according to the individual’s score after applying the BMI formula. Although body fatness varies due to sex, age, or having a sports background, BMI gives accurate and general information about body fat. 

For adults,

• Weak     : If the BMI is below 18.5, the person is considered weak.
• Normal  : BMI between 18.5 and 24.9
• Overweight : BMI between 25 and 29.9
• Obese : BMI over 30

The Importance of BMI

Calculating BMI is an important tool to be informed about an individual’s health risks. While being underweight can lead to health problems such as anemia and malnutrition, a higher BMI score often indicates a higher risk of weight-related diseases. These weight-related diseases include:

• Diabetes,
• Cardiovascular diseases,
• High blood pressure,
• Cholesterol,
• Musculoskeletal problems.

In addition, according to World Health Organization statistics, more than 2.8 million people die every year due to being overweight or obese.

Reasons of Obesity

While there are many causes of obesity, the most important causes are physical inactivity and consuming too much fat and sugar. Obesity can also occur due to certain diseases, genetic reasons, and hormones. Obesity could also be related to using certain medications or experiencing psychological distress.

However, by making a change in lifestyle and receiving obesity treatment, obesity and the health risks related to obesity can be reduced and prevented.

[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/6-facts-on-obesity