Your body mass index, or BMI, is used as a standard to determine if you are considered obese. Obesity is one of the most serious health issues of developed westernized nations like the United States. Obesity is considered to be an epidemic with more than 70 million U.S. adults, which equates to approximately one-third of the adult population, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In the past 30 years, the obesity rate has doubled for adults and tripled for children. If not controlled, obesity can lead to many serious health complications including heart disease and diabetes.
Body Mass Index
BMI is calculated based upon height and weight. Several BMI calculators are found on the Internet that will automatically calculate your BMI if you enter your weight and height. Alternatively, you can calculate your BMI independently with the following formula: BMI = your weight in pounds divided by your height in inches squared, multiplied by 703. This may also be represented as BMI = (weight (lbs.)/(height (in.))^2) X 703. The number 703 refers to a conversion factor from the metric system. For example, an individual weighing 195 lb. and is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, or 68 inches, has a BMI of 29.6.
BMI Indications and Limitations
A BMI over 30 indicates obesity; 25 to 29.9 is overweight; 18.5 to 24.9 is normal; and below 18.5 is considered underweight, according to MayoClinic.com. Using the previous example, an individual with a BMI of 29.6 is considered overweight, but borderline obese. While the BMI formulation is a general rule for obesity classification, it also has its limitations. Athletes with an excess of muscle weight compared to their body dimensions may appear obese when they are actually not. However, in most cases, BMI is an accurate predictor of obesity.
Obesity Complications
If you have a BMI that suggests you are either overweight or obese, be aware of the overall lifestyle complications for which you may be at risk or already face. Obesity can lead to Type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure, respiratory problems like sleep apnea, nerve damage, reproductive problems, cancer, heart disease, heart attack and stroke. In addition to the immediate health consequences of obesity, you will most likely suffer from emotional disorders like depression and anxiety and incur unsustainable financial obligations from necessary health care.
Obesity Prevention and Treatment
While your BMI may be an indicator of your overall health status based upon your body size, treatments and preventative measures exist to improve your situation. Lifestyle modifications like implementation of healthy eating habits and increased physical activity are some of the simplest measures you can do. For severe cases, surgical intervention procedures are available to physically reduce stomach size and food intake volume in an effort to lose weight and body mass. No matter your BMI, be sure to talk with your primary care provider to determine the best approach to achieve your ideal BMI and improve your overall health.
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