Health & Fitness Tools

Using The Body Mass Index To Check On Health Threats

30th December, 2010 - Posted by health news - No Comments

An individual’s overall health is often partially determined by his body weight. It is commonly measured against tables that list “ideal” or “desirable” weight levels for various heights and age groups. Many of these tables use values accumulated from scientific studies, whilst others, such as the Metropolitan Height and Weight Table, establish the suitable heights and weights of individuals for insurance coverage purposes.

An individual’s weight can be described as a portion of the ideal or desirable weight indexed, and can also be classified as healthy, underweight, overweight, or obese. An alternative method of measuring up a person to a population group is to use the body mass index.

Body mass index (BMI) is an appraisal of body composition that correlates a person’s weight and height to lean body mass. The BMI is hence an index of weight adapted for stature. Body mass index is figured by dividing weight in kilos by height in meters squared and multiplying by 100. It can also be figured by dividing weight in pounds by height in inches squared and multiplying by 705. The greater the value you arrive at, the greater stored fat you have in your body. In this manner, the BMI is a diagnostic application for either obesity and protein-energy malnutrition. BMI values can also be used to estimate life expectancy as a reduced BMI generally means more years in a person’s life.

The significance of BMI values can be found in tables that indicate distinct weight ranges. Calculations based on values for preferred body weight imply the BMI for normal men and women need to be in the range of nineteen to twenty-seven.Investigate if your weight falls inside ideal ranges with weight loss chart.

Being plump or obese is related to health risks. A body mass index of 30 or more means one is already on the obese range. Recent reports show that obese individuals are more vulnerable to common kidney cancer, kidney stones, and have an elevated risk of getting a stroke. Asthma, arthritis, back problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, activity limitations and repetitive strain injury are also often associated with increasing weight levels.

It is crucial however, to consider other important factors when examining your body mass index. Age, gender, race and fitness levels can influence body mass index, so it’s common for pro athletes to possess higher BMI values but still stay within the healthful ranges. An unhealthy state can also control an individual’s BMI and so will one’s degree of hydration. To obtain a more appropriate assessment, it is always important to consider all these additional circumstances when ascertaining ideal weight range. To obtain your individual body mass index, you may take a look at bmi chart.