What is Body Mass Index?
To start with, individuals widely use the BMI score as a general indicator to determine whether a person has a healthy body weight for their height and weight.
A body mass index BMI score of 30 or more defines obesity and resources such as a BMI calculator can help individuals assess their weight in relation to their height.
How to Use a Body Mass Index Calculator?
Use a BMI calculator to determine your height and weight status by inputting your height and your weight in pounds.
Based on measures used on height and weight in pounds. Furthermore, you can use BMI calculators online for free.
Categories
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Typically, experts define normal weight as a BMI of 18.5–24.9.
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Specifically, experts consider a body mass index BMI of 25-29.9 as indicative of an individual with a heavy weight.
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A BMI of 30 or greater is classified as obesity.
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A BMI of 35-39.9 is classified as an individual with extremely heavy body weight.
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BMI categories are used to evaluate eligibility for weight loss surgery.
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Additionally, experts use BMI categories to assess health risks associated with weight.
BMI for Different Age Groups
Notably, adults aged 20 or older use BMI as a measurement. For children and teens, BMI is age- and sex-specific. BMI categories for adults, children, and teens are based on percentiles.
Health Risks Associated
Being an individual with heavier weight or extremely heavier body weight increases the risk of a number range of serious diseases and health conditions. In some cases, it can be a sign of some underlying condition or disease such as anorexia nervosa.
Limitations
BMI is only an estimate that cannot take body composition and different body types into account. It can be influenced by many factors. For instance age, sex, ethnicity, muscle mass, body fat, and activity level.
BMI is a measure of excess body weight, rather than excess body fat. However, it may not be accurate for athletes or individuals with a muscular build.
Using a Body Mass Index Calculator for Health and Wellness
Use a BMI calculator to track your progress toward your weight loss goals. BMI calculators measure if you are at a healthy weight.
A BMI calculator helps determining if you are eligible for weight loss surgery. Moreover, individuals can use BMI calculators in conjunction with other health metrics, such as body fat percentage and waist circumference.
Considering a Gastric Sleeve or Another Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery?
Specifically, the bariatric surgeon considers the gastric sleeve procedure as an effective way to decrease weight, involving reducing the stomach’s size and limiting the food it can carry.
A new study by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesogenic Diseases (IFSO) shows that two major medical organizations are developing new guidelines.
Nonetheless, try our Pre-Qualification Quiz to see if you are a potential candidate to achieve your weight loss goals. Similarly, you can also explore our informative weight loss resources.
