Body mass index represents the relationship of your weight to your height. Numerous health organizations and medical practitioners use BMI as the first indicator in determining whether you fall into a healthy weight range. Understanding trends in BMI for Americans helps organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, track patterns in obesity and health.
BMI Ranges
According to the Centers for Disease Control, adult Americans’ BMI averaged 28 in 2002. A healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Anyone with a BMI over 25 is classified as overweight, and over 30 is considered obese. People with a BMI under 18.5 are classified as underweight. Age and gender do not affect your BMI measurements.
Significance
The 2002 average represents an increase from an average BMI of 25 in 1960, and indicates that the average American is overweight. Overweight and obese people are at a greater risk of developing serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Some organizations, such as fire and police departments, use BMI to determine their employees’ fitness for employment. Health insurance companies use BMI to evaluate potential clients' risk factors and rate levels.
Problems
BMI is not always accurate, especially for athletes and women. People who have a lot of lean muscle mass may fall into an overweight or obese range on the BMI scale, when in reality they simply weigh more because of their body composition. MayoClinic.com points out that BMI does not take into account that women usually carry a higher percentage of body fat and that some women who are actually obese have been incorrectly categorized as overweight or normal. BMI measurements also do not take into account where a person stores body fat. A person who is of normal BMI but holds a disproportionate amount of fat in the abdomen may still be at risk of developing a number of chronic diseases usually related to obesity
Measuring BMI
The formula for determining BMI is to divide your weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Although BMI is not always accurate, it is a noninvasive way to evaluate a person’s weight status. More accurate measurements such DXA scans, hydrostatic weighing and bioelectrical impedance require expensive equipment and training.
Strategy
While BMI is not a perfect measurement, it does indicate that the average American could stand to lose a few pounds. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute suggests that people whose BMI range falls into the obese or overweight range make an effort to lose weight. Losing just 5 percent to 10 percent of your weight can lead to marked improvements in health.
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