PermalinkIntroduction
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to calculate a person's weight according to height. Human weight varies according to height, so the concepts of obesity, normal weight, and overweight differ by body. In this article, we are going to acquire deep information about BMI, how it works, and its limitations.
PermalinkWho invented the BMI?
In the late 19th century, Adolphe Quetelet, an astronomer, mathematician, socialist, and statistician, wanted to measure the "average man" based on weight, height, and other traits. He actually wanted to categorize the population into specific demographics. Furthermore, at the time of adoption, health and obesity weren't significant issues for people, and his basic intention was based on scientific curiosity.
PermalinkThe formula for Calculating BMI
On the globe, two kinds of measurement units are used, and here is the calculation based on both of them.
- Metric Units:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m)]²
- Imperial Units:
BMI = [Weight (lbs) ÷ (Height (in) × Height (in))] × 703
PermalinkCase studies based on height and weight.
- Example Using Metric Units
Suppose a person has a height of 1.75 meters and a weight of 70 kilograms. The calculation according to the metric system is as follows:
Step 1: Record the values
Weight = 70 kg
Height = 1.75 m
Step 2: Square the height
Height² = 1.75 × 1.75 = 3.0625
Step 3: Apply the formula
BMI = Weight ÷ Height²
BMI = 70 ÷ 3.0625
BMI = 22.86
- Example Using Imperial Units
Suppose a person weighs 154 pounds and has a height of 5 feet 9 inches (equivalent to 69 inches). The calculation according to the imperial system is as follows:
Step 1: Record the values
Weight = 154 lbs
Height = 69 inches
Step 2: Square the height
Height² = 69 × 69 = 4761
Step 3: Apply the formula
BMI = [Weight ÷ Height²] × 703
BMI = [154 ÷ 4761] × 703
BMI = 0.0323 × 703
BMI = 22.85
After rounding, the BMI for this person is 22.9.
Suppose you feel hectic doing all this calculation but want to know your BMI. Then, use the Urwatools BMI calculator.
PermalinkBenefits of Using BMI
- Quick and Simple Health Assessment: Provides a fast estimate of weight status.
- Identifies Weight Categories: Helps classify underweight, normal, overweight, or obese individuals.
- Health Risk Indicator: Indicates potential health risks linked to weight.
- Motivates Lifestyle Changes: Encourages individuals to improve their health.
- Tracks Weight Management Progress: Monitors changes over time.
- Guides Clinical Decisions: Assists healthcare professionals in diagnosing and planning treatments.
- Standardized Measure: Globally recognized tool for population studies
PermalinkBody Mass Index weight categories
In 1997, The World Health Organization proposed a chart of Body Mass Index (BMI) ranges. So the user can quickly identify its class according to the measurement.
⦁ Underweight: BMI < 18.5
⦁ Normal weight: BMI 18.5–24.9
⦁ Overweight: BMI 25–29.9
⦁ Obesity Class I (Moderate): BMI 30–34.9
⦁ Obesity Class II (Severe): BMI 35–39.9
⦁ Obesity Class III (Very severe or morbid): BMI ≥ 40
PermalinkHow BMI Calculations Differ for Men and Women
Normally, BMI works the same for both genders; by following the formula, men and women get the same result.
BMI Formula:
- Metric Units:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m)]²
- Imperial Units:
BMI = [Weight (lbs) ÷ (Height (in) × Height (in))] × 703
PermalinkLimitation of (Body Mass Index) BMI
Each thing works with its restrictions. BMI also has some weak points, but once you tackle them, this tool will work tremendously.
⦁ BMI does not directly count fat in the body. The distribution of fat in both genders is different. Women tend to store fat in the hip and thigh areas, while men store it in their abdomen. So, the health risk for both is different.
⦁ Another factor is that males are more muscular than females, and muscular weight is more than fat.This factor creates confusion when examining weight.
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PermalinkDiseases that BMI detect
If BMI concludes overweight or under-weight, it links up some diseases with it.
Disease-associated with high BMI
⦁ Type 2 Diabetes
⦁ Cardiovascular Disease
⦁ Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
⦁ Osteoarthritis
⦁ Fatty Liver Disease
⦁ Kidney Disease
⦁ Gallbladder Disease
⦁ Cancer
Disease-associated with low BMI
⦁ Malnutrition
⦁ Osteoporosis (due to lack of nutrients and low bone density)
⦁ Anemia
⦁ Weakened Immune System
⦁ Fertility Issues (in women)
⦁ Muscle Wasting
⦁ Chronic Fatigue
⦁ Hypothermia
BMI Chart Based on Common Weight and Height Values
| Height | Weight | BMI | Category |
| 1.50 | 45 | 20.0 | Normal weight |
| 1.50 | 65 | 28.9 | Over weight |
| 1.50 | 75 | 33.3 | Obesity Class 1 |
| 1.60 | 50 | 19.5 | Normal weight |
| 1.60 | 60 | 23.4 | Normal weight |
| 1.70 | 75 | 26.0 | Normal weight |
| 1.70 | 85 | 29.4 | Normal weight |
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PermalinkConclusion
Body Mass Index (BMI) is an excellent tool for measuring body weight according to height. This gives you deep insight into obesity and underweight. Moreover, knowing the limitations of the calculator, like the fat distribution and muscle mass. All of this creates some malfunctions while counting the weight. Further, it is crucial to know how to use the BMI productively; you can follow the instructions below on the retool calculator. Regardless of BMI, be concerned with medical professionals before changing your lifestyle.
