In 2007-2008, 72.3 percent of U.S. men were overweight or obese, according to a 2010 study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." Men who are overweight or obese are at increased risk for several health problems. To reduce your risk, aim for a BMI that falls within the healthy range.
Identification
Body mass index is a measure of body fat determined from an individual's height and weight. BMI is generally accurate for most people. BMI calculations have been shown to correlate directly with other measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Calculating BMI is less expensive and more convenient than other methods of measuring body fat.
Calculation
You can calculate your BMI by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared and multiplying the result by a conversion factor of 703. Men with a BMI of 18.5 or less are underweight, according to the National Institutes of Health. A healthy BMI falls between 18.5 and 24.9. Men who are overweight have a BMI of 25 to 29.9. A BMI of 30 or greater indicates obesity.
Significance
Men who have a BMI that puts them in the "overweight" or "obesity" range have a greater risk for disease, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones and certain cancers, according to the National Institutes of Health. They may also be at increased risk for dyslipidemia, stroke, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and respiratory problems.
Limitations
BMI may be an inaccurate measure of body fat for men with a muscular build, such as athletes. It may underestimate body fat in older men and others who have reduced muscle mass. BMI is only one measure of risk for disease. Waist circumference and other risk factors, such as high blood pressure or physical inactivity, are also important. If you have a high BMI, your doctor may determine your health risk with skinfold thickness measurements. Your doctor may also ask about your diet, physical activity and family history.
Member Comments