underweight
<18.5
normal weight
18.5-24.9
overweight
25-29.99
obese
>30
what is BMI?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from an individual's weight and height, serving as an indicator of body fat.
it can be useful in assessing the risk of developing health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension.
risks with…
being underweight
• higher risk of lacking essential vitamins and minerals
• increased susceptibility to infections and illnesses
• higher likelihood of osteoporosis and fractures
being overweight
• elevated risk of hypertension, heart attacks, and strokes
• increased likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes
• greater chance of arthritis and mobility issues
take action towards better health
eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods, focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week
ensure 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to support metabolism and overall health
drink plenty of water throughout the day to aid digestion and control hunger
limitations of BMI
differentiation between fat and muscle
BMI cannot distinguish between muscle mass and fat, potentially classifying muscular individuals as overweight or obese.
ignores fat distribution in body
BMI does not account for where fat is distributed in the body, missing key health risk indicators like abdominal fat.
variation of BMI due to different variables
BMI may not accurately reflect health risks across different ethnicities, ages, and genders due to variations in body composition.