BMI Index

What is the bmi index.? BMI stands for body mass index. It is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms), by your height in metres squared. If it is high, chances are you are overweight or obese. If it is too low, you are underweight. The reasoning behind this measurement is it is supposed to determine how much you should weigh for your height..

Here is an example. I am 1.71 metres tall and I weigh 68 kilograms.

68 divided by (1.71 x 1.71) = 23.2 My bmi index is a healthy 23.2.

So what should you be aiming for?

Underweight (BMI less than 18.5)
Normal (BMIs 18.5 to 24.9)
Overweight (BMIs 25 to 29.9)
Obese (BMI 30 and over)

PROS
Measuring your BMI is an easy inexpensive way for you toto identify possible weight problems. It does no require anyequipment, (maybe a calculator) so is accessible by all. It is also a very general measurement and is based on large group research studies. This is a reasonable formula to use to get an estimate but it also has several drawbacks

CONS
Body Mass Index does does not take into account the amount of body fat and muscle on an individual. It does not differentiate between muscle and fat.

This is a problem for body builders, athletes and very muscular people as it may show they have a BMI index of 30 (obese on thechart) and yet they will have very little body fat, due to their higher percentage of muscle.

BMI does not identify how fat is distributed on the body. Storing more fat on the waist is a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, than storing it mostly elsewhere. BMI cannot identify this. Elderly and disabled people have less muscle mass, their BMI may be lower, it does not mean they are in the normal or underweight range. They may be thin, but have a high body fat percentage!

Pregnancy will also skew the numbers as pregnant women will carry more fat during this time. Facts are that measuring body mass index is a quick tool you can use, but it should never be the only tool. Measuring your body fat is a more precise measurement however, this needs either, under water weighing, skin fold measurements or body fat scales. These things are not available readily for many people.

They are the pros and cons of the bmi, use it but don’t forget to measure your body fat as well.

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