What is the significance of the BMI formula?

Technology and development have given us some very unhealthy practices such as cheap fast food rich in calories, reduced physical activity, cheaper nonphysical entertainment, higher carbohydrate intake due to an emphasis on low fat intake. Globally, the prevalence of obesity has tripled from 1975 to 2016, especially in middle and low-income nations. Recently, the World Gastroenterology Organization Collaborated with the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders for the awareness of obesity as a pandemic. Referring to the severity of the disease, it is vital to keep it constant if one falls into the category. The significance of the BMI formula lies in the definition of obesity.

BMI formula

Standard BMI World Health Organization (WHO) has defined its standards for overweight and obesity for adults and children. However, BMI standards for both the sexes in adults are the same.

BMI for Adults

The standards for adults are as follows;

If a person has a BMI equal to or greater than 25, he is overweight.

If a person has a BMI equal to or greater than 30, he is classified as obese.

BMI for Children

To define if a child is overweight or obese, one must determine the age. The children aging below five years are overweight whose BMI formula values deviate more than two standards above WHO child growth standards median. However, the children with weight to height higher than three standard deviations above the median are obese.

Furthermore, the children aging between 5-19 years are regarded as overweight and obese with 1 2 standard deviations above WHO growth reference median, respectively.

What is the BMI formula?

A BMI calculator is an inexpensive tool to estimate body fat. Anyone can check their BMI at home with the BMI calculator to BMI chart to get an idea of their body condition. Body mass index refers to a person’s height to weight ratio. BMI can be calculated by dividing the body weight in kilograms by the height of the person in meters squared.

BMI = weight (kg) / [height (m)]2

In another case, you can calculate through BMI Calculator by dividing the weight in pounds with the height in inches square, which further multiplies by 703 (the conversion factor).

BMI = weight (lb) / [height (in)] 2 x 703

The significance of the BMI formula is evident in the fact it is the prime standard to categorize a person’s body weight. Furthermore, BMI serves as a screening tool to estimate one’s weight concerning obesity. However, it cannot be used as the ultimate measurement tool for obesity. For diagnosis, the physicians perform various other tests and assessments. This assessment typically includes:

According to standards, people with a BMI of 25 to 29.9 are overweight. People with a BMI Chart of more than 30 are obese. Conversely, athletes and sportspeople have an increased muscle mass instead of body fat. Hence, if their BMI formula values exceed 30, they won’t be considered overweight or obese at all. Therefore, you need to go for an experienced health care professional to estimate your body fat.