One easy tool used by physicians and other health care professionals
to assess an individual’s weight in relation to their height
is the ‘Body Mass Index’ (BMI). The BMI is not a direct measurement
of a person’s body fat and it is calculated by dividing one’s
weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared.
BMI = Weight (kg) / [Height (m)] 2
The BMI is commonly used as a guide to indicate whether
an individual is underweight, at a healthy weight or overweight.
Table 1: BMI Classification
| Weight
Classification |
BMI |
Level
of Associated Health Risks |
| Normal
Weight |
18.5-24.9 |
Minimal |
| Overweight |
25.0-29.9 |
Increased |
| Obese |
|
|
Class
I
Class II
Class III |
30.0-34.9
35.0-39.9
≥ 40 |
High
Very High
Extremely High |
| |
Table 1: BMI Classification |
| |
|
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NOTE: BMI is not a useful tool
to be used on young children below the age of 18,
pregnant and lactating women, very lean, muscular
adults and the elderly as it may underestimate or
overestimate the level of associated health risks.
The higher your BMI value, the greater the risk
of disease such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure,
heart disease, stroke, arthritis and certain types
of cancers.
A healthy body weight can be achieved & maintained
by staying physically active and watching what you
eat with regards to sugar & fat intake as well
as controlling portion size. By trying to lose weight
or maintaining your healthy body weight you can help
control your diabetes and any other risks associated
with the disease.
Want to know your BMI? Take a straight
line across from your height (without shoes) and a
line up from your weight. Put a mark where the two
lines meet and that value will give you your BMI.
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