Body Mass Index (BMI)

Definition:
BMI is "Body Mass Index". It tells you whether your body weight is appropriate for your height. In other words, BMI is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women.

How it is calculated:
BMI = Weight in kilograms / (Height in meters) 2 i.e. BMI equals to Weight in Kilograms divided by square of height in meters.

BMI Range:
Underweight: Normal: Overweight: Obese: < 18.5 18.5 24.9 25.0 29.9 > 30.0

Assessment: Underweight:
People in Underweight category, are in much safer zone as per BMI, but are likely to get into hemoglobin, skin, hair loss and immunity related problems. Hence advised to initiate and implement a physical activity routine, fit for their case.

Normal:
People, who are in Normal category, are in the safer zone. They are less prone to BP, lipid, heart and other ailments as long as they maintain a healthy lifestyle & continue doing some physical activity. A healthy lifestyle means minimum 30 min of walk 5 times a week and a normal balanced diet.

Overweight*:
People, who are in Overweight category, are between safer & danger zone. They might slip into danger zone if a healthy lifestyle is not followed. People in such category are more likely to get into BP, lipid, heart and other related problems if they do not take care of themselves.

Obese*:
People, who are in Obese category, are in danger zone. People in such category have a greater chance of developing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol or other lipid disorders, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.

*For people in Overweight and Obese category, a small weight loss (even just
10 percent of the current weight) will help to lower the risk of developing these diseases. SO ACT NOW!! Note: Besides, BMI, Waist circumference is another indicator to tell if you are at risk. If you are in Overweight or Obese category and waist measurement is over 40 inches for men and above 35 inches for women, then you really are at risk.