BODY MASS INDEX - BMI

BMI introduction

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a widely used measure that relates a person’s weight to their height to estimate whether they are underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. While not a perfect tool, BMI is a simple way to screen for potential weight-related health concerns.

Why BMI Matters?

BMI helps indicate whether a person’s body weight is in a range that may affect their health. Both being underweight and overweight carry significant risks.

Risks of Being Overweight

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol and triglycerides

• Type 2 diabetes

• Heart disease and stroke

• Gallbladder disease

• Osteoarthritis

• Breathing problems such as sleep apnea

• Certain cancers (breast, colon, kidney, liver, etc.)

• Lower quality of life and increased risk of premature death

Risks of Being Underweight

• Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

• Osteoporosis (weak bones)

• Reduced immune function

• Growth and development issues in children and teens

• Fertility and pregnancy complications in women

• Higher surgical and recovery risks

• Increased risk of mortality

Limitations of BMI !

Although BMI is a useful general indicator, it does not directly measure body fat or take body composition into account.

• Adults: Athletes may have a high BMI due to muscle mass, not fat. Women and older adults naturally carry more body fat than men and younger adults at the same BMI.

• Children & adolescents: BMI values differ with age and sex. Growth and development make BMI interpretation more complex, and percentiles are used instead of fixed cutoffs.

For most people, BMI is fairly accurate, but it should always be considered alongside other factors like diet, activity level, and medical history.