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BMI Calculator: Introduction
Based on height and weight, the BMI calculates a person’s leanness or corpulence and attempts to quantify tissue mass. It is frequently used as a broad indicator of a person’s body weight in relation to their height. According to which range the value falls within, a person is classified as being underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese based on the value obtained from the BMI calculation. These BMI ranges are sometimes further broken down into subcategories like severely underweight or very severely obese, depending on variables like region and age. Even though BMI is a flawed indicator of a healthy body weight, it can be used to determine whether further testing or treatment is necessary. Being overweight or underweight can have significant negative effects on one’s health.
BMI Table for Adults
This is the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommended body weight based on BMI values for adults. It is used for both men and women, age 20 or older.
Risks Associated with Being Overweight
Being overweight increases the risk of a number of serious diseases and health conditions. Below is a list of said risks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- High blood pressure
- Higher levels of LDL cholesterol, which is widely considered “bad cholesterol,” lower levels of HDL cholesterol, considered to be good cholesterol in moderation, and high levels of triglycerides
- Type II diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Gallbladder disease
- Osteoarthritis, a type of joint disease caused by breakdown of joint cartilage
- Sleep apnea and breathing problems
- Certain cancers (endometrial, breast, colon, kidney, gallbladder, liver)
- Low quality of life
- Mental illnesses such as clinical depression, anxiety, and others
- Body pains and difficulty with certain physical functions
- Generally, an increased risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy BMI
As can be seen from the list above, there are numerous negative, in some cases fatal, outcomes that may result from being overweight. Generally, a person should try to maintain a BMI below 25 kg/m2, but ideally should consult their doctor to determine whether or not they need to make any changes to their lifestyle in order to be healthier.
Risks Associated with Being Underweight
Being underweight has its own associated risks, listed below:
- Malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, anemia (lowered ability to carry blood vessels)
- Osteoporosis, a disease that causes bone weakness, increasing the risk of breaking a bone
- A decrease in immune function
- Growth and development issues, particularly in children and teenagers
- Possible reproductive issues for women due to hormonal imbalances that can disrupt the menstrual cycle. Underweight women also have a higher chance of miscarriage in the first trimester
- Potential complications as a result of surgery
- Generally, an increased risk of mortality compared to those with a healthy BMI
In some cases, being underweight can be a sign of some underlying condition or disease such as anorexia nervosa, which has its own risks. Consult your doctor if you think you or someone you know is underweight, particularly if the reason for being underweight does not seem obvious.