Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight in adults. It helps determine if you are underweight, at a healthy weight or overweight.
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Significance
If you have a high BMI, it increases your risk of developing metabolic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and heart disease.
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How to calculate BMI
BMI can be calculated by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of his/her height in meters. BMI = kg/m2
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BMI values
A BMI less than 18.5 means a person is underweight, between 18.5-24.9 means is at a healthy weight, 25.0-29.9 means is overweight. BMI over 30 indicates obesity.
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Ill-effects of High BMI
High BMI is a sign of too much body fat. Being overweight puts you at risk for many serious health conditions.
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Ill-effects of Low BMI
Being underweight is linked to health risks including low immunity, anemia, fatigue, high risk of osteoporosis etc.
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Maintaining healthy BMI
A healthy BMI helps you lead a healthy life. Staying within a healthy weight range helps you feel good and motivates you to stay fit.
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Tips to Maintain BMI
Eat a well-balanced healthy diet, stay active and exercise regularly, stay hydrated, keep stress low and sleep well to achieve a healthy BMI.
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Non-modifiable factors
Factors like age, gender and genetics are out of one's control. Unhealthy BMI due to these factors needs medical attention.
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Limitations
BMI is a useful tool but it fails to cover a few factors that affects body weight like activity levels, body compositions or age. Talk to your doctor to understand your BMI perfectly.