The Link Between BMI and Health

There are many hazardous health conditions that have been related to having a high Body Mass Index (BMI). A high BMI correlates to a large amount of body fat on a person's body based on the person's weight and height. In order to calculate BMI, individuals can use a mathematical formula in which they need to divide their weight by their height, they can use an electronic BMI scale, or they can use another measuring system such as a water test or pinch test.

How to measure body weight

While there may be several different metrics for determining obesity and overweight issues, the BMI calculation is generally the most widely accepted. A BMI calculation does not take into account a person's appearance. Instead, it evaluates BMI based on objective information, such as an electronic BMI reading or other test form.

Throughout the U.S. adults should generally have a BMI of less than 25 kg/m². It is considered overweight to have a BMI between 25 and 30. A BMI above 30 is generally considered to be obese, according to the American Heart Association. (source: http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.192574)

Having a high BMI is also linked to having a high waist circumference. Therefore, a high waist circumference may also be indicative of many of the same risks as having a high BMI. For example, an overweight person with a BMI between 25 and 29.9who has a waist up to 102 cm (for men) or 88cm (for women) has an increased risk of developing hazardous diseases related to body weight. A man with a waist over 102 cm and a woman with a waist over 88 cm has a high risk of developing weight-related diseases, according to the American Heart Association report. The risk increases significantly as body fat percentages increase.

Diseases associated with a high BMI

Many diseases and health hazards are associated with a high BMI, according to the American Heart Association. These diseases include Type 2 Diabetes as well as hypertension and dyslipidemia. Diabetes is a significant risk factor even in people classified as "overweight" and is not limited to individuals classified as "obese," as some other BMI-related issues are.

Exercise and diet

Exercise and diet are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and can help to offset or prevent some of the health hazards associated with high BMI ratings. Therefore, regardless of the presence of Diabetes or not, individuals should be committed to a healthy lifestyle that involves healthy eating and exercise.

Resources:

http://shop.imtypefree.com/Body-Fat-Scale-p/bfbw200.htm

http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/reprint/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.192574