The BMI, or body mass index, is a tool that helps classify body weight into various categories: underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese. Overweight individuals are at increased risk for health problems, and the BMI is one tool that professionals use for overall health assessment, usually along with other tools like waist-to-hip circumference ratios and skinfold thickness, according to the CDC.
Significance
The number of overweight and obese individuals in the United States has been growing in recent years. According to the Weight-control Information Network, more than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese, meaning they have a BMI of 25 or more.
Features
The BMI is a number derived from the height and weight of an individual. It does not measure body fat or muscle, but is a good general indicator of whether an individual's weight is healthy or not, according to the CDC. To obtain a person's BMI, the weight in pounds is divided by the height in inches squared, and then multiplied by 703. An overweight BMI is classified as being between 25.0 and 25.9, and any BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese.
Considerations
A BMI may not always be the best indicator to measure health. It does not take into account muscle, which weighs more than fat. The CDC explains that this can result in an individual having an overweight BMI but a low percentage of body fat, which can happen with athletes. There are also variations between men and women and across ages. At the same BMI, women typically have more body fat than men, and older individuals usually have more body fat than younger individuals.
Effects
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of health problems and complications. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute states that as BMI rises, so does the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack. The risk of developing high blood pressure, having a stroke, developing type II diabetes or osteoarthritis, having gallstones, and having abnormal blood fats and high cholesterol all become higher if an individual is overweight and even more so for the obese.
Prevention/Solution
A healthy diet and lifestyle can help prevent excess weight gain and improve health. The CDC recommends a diet high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products; lean meats, poultry and fish; and which is low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol. Excess consumption of sodium and sugars should be minimized. Staying within the necessary caloric needs will also help control weight. Regular physical activity can help prevent excess weight gain and is part of a healthy lifestyle.
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