BMI, Weight and Health Risks

Key Points
 Energy Values In Food
 Calorific value is the amount of energy a body obtains from food. The calorie is a
measurement unit of energy. The quantity of calories increases as the amount of ‘go’
foods intake is increased. Carbohydrates and fats break down to convert to energy for
body processes.

 Body Mass Index

 It is the measure of relative size based on a person’s height and mass.
 As they grow, their height and mass increases and hence the BMI is constantly changing
 Calculation-Height = 162 cm =162/100 = 1.62 m
Weight = 59 kg
John’s BMI = 59/1.622 = 22.5

 It represents as a chart and categories people according to their weight at their

particular height.
 Underweight BMI is under 18.5
 Normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 25
 Overweight BMI ranges between 25 to 30
 Obese BMI is anything greater than 30

 Weight gain occurs when more carbohydrates and fats are eaten compared to the
amount needed by the body. Foods are classified as:
 High-calorie - contains a plenty energy
 Low-calorie - contains less energy than other foods

 The amount of energy needed is dependent on physical activity, exercise, lifestyle,

age etc. If a person eats more ‘go’ foods than their body needs then the nutrients are
stored as fat and leads to being overweight and obesity.

 Health Risks
 Overweight and obesity can affect a person’s health as it may raise the risk for certain
health problems.

 Heart disease
The coronary arteries supply blood, oxygen and nutrients to your heart. A buildup of plaque
can narrow these arteries, decreasing blood flow to your heart. Eventually, the reduced blood
flow may cause chest pains (angina), shortness of breath. A complete blockage can cause a
heart attack.

 Hypertension
Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a condition in which blood flows through
the arteries with a force greater than normal. If the arteries are narrower due to plaque
deposits then the blood pressure is higher and can cause damage to the body.

 Stroke
This happens when the brain's blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, causing severely
reduced blood flow. Blocked arteries by buildup of plaque or by blood clots that travel
through the bloodstream and block the blood vessels in the brain to reduce the amount of
oxygen to the brain.

 Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a disease that occurs when the blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is
too high. The body breaks down carbohydrates to glucose and what is not used is stored. In
type 2 diabetes, the body cannot control the blood glucose level and it gets higher than it
should be. Over time, high blood glucose leads to problems such as heart disease, strokes,
damage to kidneys and other health issues.