What does BMI Mean: Everything you Need to Know

Body mass index, or BMI, is a frequently used metric that measures the relative percentage of body fat a person has. It’s a number derived from an individual’s weight and height, and it’s used to estimate whether they are at a healthy weight. Understanding BMI can help you know if you need to put effort into losing, maintaining, or gaining weight.

What is BMI?

The body mass index, or BMI, is a measure of body fat based on a person’s height and weight. It is one of the most commonly used tools for diagnosis and assessing health risks associated with being overweight or obese. BMI is calculated using a simple formula: weight (in kilograms) ÷ height (in meters squared). BMI is a useful tool because it takes into account different body types and shapes. A person with a high body fat percentage may have a high BMI, while someone who is lean but has a high muscle mass may have a higher BMI as well.

What Does a High or Low BMI Mean?

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies a healthy BMI as being between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI falls within this range, your weight is considered to be healthy. However, if it is greater than 25, you are considered to be overweight, and if it is greater than 30, you are considered to be obese. People with a low BMI (below 18.5) are considered to be underweight.

Being outside of the healthy BMI range has health risks, regardless of whether you are below or above it. Being underweight can result in stunted growth, poor immune system development, and a weakened body mass, while being overweight or obese can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart problems, and more. Therefore, it’s important to manage your weight to stay within the healthy BMI range.

What to Do if Your BMI is Outside of the Healthy Range

If your BMI is outside of the healthy range, the good news is that there are things you can do to get it back in the zone. First of all, if you’re underweight, you should focus on increasing your caloric intake as well as making sure that you’re eating a balanced and nutritious diet. On the other hand, if you’re overweight or obese, you should focus on reducing your calorie intake, exercising regularly, and making healthier food choices.

It’s important to note that BMI is only one of many health indicators. It’s important to talk to your doctor about other factors when you’re assessing your health status. Additionally, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and that everyone has different goals when it comes to their weight.

Conclusion

BMI, or body mass index, is an important tool that can help individuals better understand their body fat percentage. It’s a useful metric that can help you know if you need to put effort into losing, maintaining, or gaining weight. A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is a healthy BMI. If your BMI is outside of this range, you should talk to your doctor to get an appropriate health plan in place. Additionally, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different and that healthy weight goals may vary from person to person.