What is your BMI?

Does your health expert always talk about your BMI and you wonder what this BMI funda is all about?

Then let me explain the meaning and the importance of BMI.

What is BMI?

BMI or Body Mass Index is a simple measure of the body weight relative to your height, associated with body fat. A Belgian mathematician Adolphe Quetelet coined BMI and I must say that was a great contribution!

Significance:

BMI is believed to indicate your risk of developing any disorder related to lifestyle like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, hypertension etc. A higher BMI value indicates a higher risk for these disorders. As we Indians are more prone to the above mentioned diseases not just because of the genetic factors but also due to unhealthy lifestyle, the Ministry of Health has revised the diagnostic cut-offs for Indians (18 y - 65 y of age) and the new standards are:

Less than 18.4 – Underweight

18.5 - 22.9 – Normal

23 - 24.9 – Overweight

More than 25 – Obese

Researchers also believe that you are at the best of your health if your BMI is between 20 to 22 and life expectancy longer than average. So are you curious to know which category you fall into? Then calculate your BMI:

BMI = (Weight in Kilograms / (Height in Meters x Height in Meters))

Remember, this is just a calculator. If you want to know how to improve your quality of health, talk to your Expert now...