Understanding Body Mass Index In Health
Body Mass index popularly known as BMI is a measurement used clinically to account for an individual’s proportion. It is a ratio of weight in kilograms to height in meter square (Kg/m2).
It is popularly used to know if an individual is underweight or overweight. At population level, it is used as a standard for indicating morbidity (disease risk) and mortality (death risk). Being underweight can be as a result of underlying illnesses or even having a mental breakdown while being overweight or obese can lead to several health complications like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes. We find in our society today that being overweight is more common than being underweight and obesity is a problem that needs tackling by overcoming a sedentary lifestyle and choosing to live healthy. Although, Body Mass Index is not an accurate measurement due to the differences in population. Body mass index measurement used for adults will not apply to children and adolescents especially those experiencing puberty because of the growth spurt they experience at this period. Also, males tend to have more weight than their corresponding females in height due to the density of their bones. Although, in terms of body fat, females have more fat than males hence BMI will overestimate the percentage of body fat in such cases. Body mass index will also differ in varying ethnicity for example Indians and Asians have a higher body mass index than Europeans whose body mass index is higher than that of Africans. Body mass index will also overestimate the body fat content for bodybuilders because it cannot differentiate between muscle mass and fat mass, pregnant women, and athletes. Body mass index will underestimate the body fat for elderly individuals (body fat percentage for the elderly can also be overestimated) and for physically challenged individuals.
Body Mass Index in Relation to Healthy Living
It classifies individual weight
into four classes; underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. If an
individual is underweight, overweight, or obese, it could be as a result of an
underlying disease, malnourishment or simply living a sedentary life. Achieving
and maintaining a healthy weight is important for adequate body function and
quality immune function, it includes eating healthy, physical activity, optimal
sleep and stress reduction. Eating healthy involves eating foods rich in
nutrients and cutting out pure carbs and fatty foods. Dieting may promise fast
results but dieting limits your nutrient intake, can be unhealthy, and tend to
fail on the long run. Physical activity could be simple, for example; evening
walks, avoiding too much screen time, especially children. Outdoor activities
should be encouraged. Also, the amount of physical activity will depend on your
goal, whether to shed weight or to maintain your weight. For those who are
underweight, rigorous physical activity is not advised until recovery from
nutrient-rich meal therapy proves effective.
Managing weight contributes to
good health and as one ages people who have obesity compared to those who are
of normal weight are at increased risk for many serious diseases and health
conditions. The importance of body mass index even with its limitation cannot
be overlooked in clinical practices, it is the go-to for body mass measurements.
How to Calculate your BMI
Safina is overweight with a BMI value of 26.04
Limitations to BMI
- Differences in age
- Pregnancy
- Ethnic variations
- Bodybuilders and Athletes
- Environment factors (urban or rural settlements)