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What Is Body Mass Index?

a body mass index measuring tool with the words health o meter professional written on

You might have heard the term body mass index, experimented with a calculator, or had your BMI measured by a doctor. But do you actually know what it is and why it’s important? Read this article that explains what is body mass index and why it’s important for weight management.

 

What Is Body Mass Index?

 

Body Mass Index, or BMI, measures body fat based on height in centimetres and weight in kilograms. This measurement can tell you if your weight is within a healthy range or if it puts you at risk of obesity. 

 

What Is The Purpose Of Body Mass Index?

 

The purpose of BMI is to measure the amount of fat in your body and categorise it accordingly. It can identify individuals at risk for health issues.

 

What Is A BMI Used For? 

 

A body mass index can be used for a variety of factors, including the following:

 

  • weight management
  • goal setting
  • dietary planning
  • tracking weight loss progress over time
  • screening for overweight or obese individuals

 

In general, BMI can be used to help individuals identify areas of health risk and take steps towards making better lifestyle choices.

 

How Do You Work Out BMI?

 

If you want to know how you can work out your body mass index, it’s simple. All you need to do is know your weight in kilograms and height in centimetres. Then, calculate the body mass index using this formula: BMI = kg/m2. This BMI formula gives you a number that is used to determine if your weight is within a healthy range. You can also use a body mass index calculator to make this process easier.

 

What Is A Normal (Healthy) BMI Index? 

 

The calculated BMI index can give you information about your health status. A normal BMI is considered to be between 18.5 and 24.9. The rest of the categories are as follows:

 

  • Underweight: less than 18.5 
  • Slightly Overweight: 25-29.9 
  • Obese: 30 or more

 

For a comprehensive body mass index chart, you can refer to this index chart image by Patient UK.

 

What Are The Health Risks Of Being Overweight Or Obese? 

 

According to the World Health Organization, people who are overweight or obese can have a higher risk of developing; “cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon).”

The good news is that several weight management solutions are available to help individuals reach and maintain a healthy BMI. These include lifestyle changes such as dieting (here you can access the slender wonder diet plan pdf), starting with home weight loss exercises, and practising stress relieving solutions. 

 

Takeaway

 

Having a healthy BMI is important for overall health and wellness. If you find yourself over the normal range, you can explore the best weight loss products here at Slender Wonder! Don’t forget to combine them with a healthy diet and exercise plan for best results.

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