|
Body Mass Index (BMI)
is a simple measure of weight per height commonly used to classify health
status of adults. This is
calculated in metric as weight, divided by the
square of the height (kg/mÓ)
Example:
An adult weighing 85Kg
and with height of 1.75m will have a BMI of = 28
The table below shows
classification of health status according to BMI
|
BMI (kg/ mÓ) |
Classification |
Health risks
associated with Obesity |
|
Below 18.5 |
Underweight |
Low (risks
associated with other clinical conditions increases) |
|
18.5 - 24.9 |
Normal range
Average |
|
|
25 and above |
|
|
|
25.0 - 29.9 |
Obese |
Moderate |
|
30.0 - 34.9 |
First stage of
Obesity |
Increased |
|
35.0 - 39.9 |
Second stage of
Obesity |
Severe |
|
40.0 and above |
Third stage of
Obesity |
Very severe |
It should be noted BMI
values, although an indicator of health, does not take into account
your age and is the same
for both sexes.
Furthermore BMI does not differentiate between muscle weight and fat
weight. As a result the relationship between BMI and
body fat content
varies according to body build and body proportion. It has also been shown
that BMI may not correspond to
same degree of fatness across populations
due to factors such as diet, ethnic group and activity levels.
This demonstrates the importance of using more precise and accurate
methods for estimating body composition and
identifying individuals at
risk.
The use of Maltron Body Composition Analysers can help to address such
issues. |
