Healthy Bmis For Female Athletes

The body mass index, or BMI, is a simple and convenient method to determine your nutritional status. Though it is an oversimplified calculation, its convenience and ease make it the most commonly used way to assess for obesity. Female athletes should maintain an average BMI, but should ensure they do not go below it to prevent potential health risks. A regular regimen of exercise, along with dietary measures, are important to maintain a healthy BMI in women athletes.

Body Mass Index

The formula for body mass index is the same for both men and women. The formula requires an individuals' height, in meters, and weight, in kilograms. The calculation is to take the patients weight divided by the square of their height. Normal BMI for both males and females is 18.5 to 24.9. A number of online calculators are available to assist in this calculation.

Low BMI

A BMI less than 18.5 is is classified as underweight. Women who are underweight are at risk for a number of issues. Symptoms of a low BMI include tiredness, frequent infections due to poor immunity and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
A common cause of low BMI in females is anorexia nervosa, a psychiatric condition characterized by a BMI of less than 17.5, avoidance of high calorie foods, and distorted body image. It is frequently associated with excessive athletic activity. Anorexic patients are usually have no menstrual periods, a condition known as amenorrhea. Because of the lack of estrogen in their bodies, they often develop osteoporosis. They are also at risk for heart rhythm disorders and growth retardation. A healthy body image is required for female athletes to prevent falling into an unhealthily low body mass index.

High BMI

A BMI of 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight and over 30 is classified as obese. According to "Nutrition in Pediatrics," obesity is associated with a number of risks. Diabetes, hypertension and heart disease correlate strongly with obesity. In addition, obese women have a higher risk of birth defects, obstetric complications and some types of cancer. Female athletes should work to maintain their BMI below these high ranges.
A possible cause of elevated BMI in women is polycystic ovarian syndrome, a disease characterized by elevated weight, high blood sugars, menstrual abnormalities, acne and male pattern hair growth. While the cause of the disease is unknown, weight loss is an important part of the treatment regimen.

Keeping a Healthy BMI

Important parts of keeping a healthy weight are maintain a sufficient and balanced caloric intake, and a healthy exercise regimen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all adults should try to exercise for 30 minutes a day, with an emphasis on aerobic exercise. Women athletes should remember that a low BMI does not correspond to greater fitness. According to a report by USA Today, one third of female athletes have eating disorders -- including anorexia nervosa and bulimia. So it's important to eat healthy and maintaining a good body image. The BMI does not measure fat -- it measures only body weight. Because muscle and bone are denser than fat, you may have a high body mass index but not enough fat.