What is BMI?
BMI is "Body Mass Index". It tells you whether your
body weight is appropriate for your height.
In Indians it is advisable that the BMI be not more than
22.9*
BMI = Weight in kilograms / (Height in meters)2
BMI is a gross estimate for the amount of fat in your
body. It tells you whether you need to lose weight or
not. Not all adults who have a BMI in the range labelled
"healthy"are at their most healthy weight. They may have
lots of fat but very little muscle. Similarly, if you
are an athlete or exercise a lot, then you may have lots
of muscle and less fat and if your BMI is more than the
normal range, then it may still be healthy.
The BMI normal range is not applicable to pregnant and
breast feeding mothers.
For people who are considered obese (BMI greater than or
equal to 30) or those who are overweight (BMI of 25 to
29.9) and have two or more risk factors, the guidelines
recommend weight loss. Even a small weight loss (just 10
percent of your current weight) will help to lower your
risk of developing diseases associated with obesity.
Patients who are overweight, do not have a high waist
measurement, and have less than 2 risk factors may need
to prevent further weight gain rather than lose weight.
Talk to your doctor to see if you are at an increased
risk and if you should lose weight. Your doctor will
evaluate your BMI, waist measurement, and others risk
factors for heart disease. People who are overweight or
obese 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, and even a small weight loss (just 10
percent of your current weight) will help to lower your
risk of developing those diseases.
