There is only one standard Body Mass Index for adults. A formula that takes into account your height and weight can determine if your Body Mass Index is normal, underweight, overweight or obese. Just as gender plays no role in your BMI, neither does age. Only the Body Mass Index for children and teenagers is calculated differently.
What is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index, a number that approximately indicates the amount of fat on your body. Though BMI does not measure body fat directly, it does correlate with direct body fat measurements. BMI is commonly used by doctors and dietitians. The Centers for Disease Control uses BMI to assess if someone is obese. The index is calculated by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, and multiplying the result by a conversion factor of 703.
BMI Interpretation
Body Mass Index calculations for women age 20 and older are interpreted in the same manner as for men. Age categories do not play a factor in BMI. The index is divided into four weight status categories. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered to be normal, while a BMI below 18.5 is considered to be underweight. An index of 25.0 to 29.9 has the weight status of overweight, and 30.0 and above is considered to be obese.
Your Health
Take some considerations into account if your BMI is above the level considered normal. Individuals who are considered overweight or obese according to BMI calculations are at a greater risk of developing a number of health conditions. They include hypertension, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, and some cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Controlling Your Weight
Whether you are considered normal, overweight or obese, controlling your weight is important. Overweight and obese people may incorrectly focus on quickly losing weight. Many diet programs offer fast and nearly effortless weight-loss solutions. But if you are committed to losing weight and keeping it off, you must be ready to make serious behavioral changes in addition to adopting a proven weight loss program. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, setting realistic and specific goals, as well as developing a reward system that does not consist of food, are two key factors in losing weight healthily.
Talk With Your Doctor
A health care professional will be able to provide further information based on your BMI results. If you have a normal BMI reading, your doctor may simply tell you to keep doing what you are doing. If you are overweight, however, he may recommend some good weight loss programs and exercises.
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