Based on your height, the body mass index (BMI) calculates how healthy your weight is. Although no one “perfect weight” exists, most persons can comprehend their weight-related health concerns with the aid of their BMI. Men and women’s BMIs are computed by dividing their weight in kilogrammes by their squared height in metres.
What Does the Number on My BMI Mean?
Your weight in relation to your height is determined by your body mass index, or BMI.
The BMI assessment divides all men and women 20 years of age and older into one of five primary weight categories:
Serial BMI Remarks
- Under 18.5 Underweight
- 18.5 – 24.9 Normal
- 25 – 29.9 Overweight
- 30 – 39.9 Obese
- 40 or >40 Morbid Obese
Asian Americans may be more susceptible to health problems with lower BMIs. Individuals in this category may be classified as obese if their BMI is 25 or higher, and as overweight if it is between 23 and 25.
By utilising the BMI calculator on the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html) you may quickly determine your BMI.
Children’s BMI is computed differently. BMI is a percentile ranking used to compare youngsters of the same age and gender for kids and teenagers under the age of twenty. This is due to the fact that a child’s body fat composition varies between boys and girls and frequently changes as they grow. Four percentile rankings exist:
Serial BMI Remarks
- Less than 5th percentile Underweight
- 5th percentile to less than 85th percentile Healthy weight
- 85th percentile to less than 95th percentile Overweight
- Equal to or greater than the 95th percentile Obesity
What Is Not Told by My BMI Measurement?
You can find out if you may be at risk for weight-related health issues by using the BMI assessment tool. However, there are a few significant factors that it is unable to account for because it does not measure fat directly:
Where your body stores fat: This may be the most significant factor that a BMI calculation is unable to determine. Subcutaneous fat is the fat that is visible just beneath the skin. Visceral fat, often known as abdominal fat, is more harmful to your health since it accumulates around your organs. A high concentration of this kind of fat increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, and other major health issues.
Age: Around the age of 30, body fat as a percentage of total body weight starts to increase.
Sex: Women (or those assigned female at birth) have approximately 10% more body fat than males (or those assigned male at birth) at the same BMI.
Race/ethnic group: At the same BMI, individuals of different races or ethnic groups may have different body compositions. This covers elements including total body size, body fat proportion, and bone density.
Muscle mass: BMI is a metric for weight in relation to height. It does not calculate the percentage of muscle in your weight. It is possible for a person with a higher percentage of muscle tissue to have the same BMI as a person with a higher percentage of body fat.
Pregnancy: When determining your healthy weight during a pregnancy, a BMI value should not be used. Consult your physician about the ideal weight range for you at this moment.
Utilising Your BMI Range
Your BMI range indicates which weight category you fall into. It provides an accurate indication of whether being in that weight range could put you at higher risk of developing certain major health issues when compared to other tests your doctor could take.
However, by itself, it doesn’t imply that you’re “thick” or “skinny.” It is unable to diagnose you with any illness or determine whether you are healthy. Discuss your weight and BMI with your physician. They can assist you in making decisions that are best for you by helping you see it in the context of your personal health.