What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value of your weight in relation to your height. It is a widely used diagnostic tool to identify weight categories that may lead to health problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies BMI values as follows:

• Below 18.5: Underweight
• 18.5 – 24.9: Normal weight
• 25.0 – 29.9: Overweight
• 30.0 – 34.9: Obesity class I
• 35.0 – 39.9: Obesity class II
• 40.0 and above: Obesity class III

Limitations of BMI

While BMI is useful for most people, it has some limitations:

• It doesn’t distinguish between muscle and fat
• Athletes may have a high BMI due to muscle mass
• Elderly people may have a normal BMI despite low muscle mass
• It doesn’t account for body fat distribution
• Different ethnic groups may have different associations between BMI and health risks

Health Risks of Abnormal BMI

Underweight (BMI < 18.5):

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Weakened immune system
• Osteoporosis
• Fertility issues

Overweight and Obesity (BMI ≥ 25):

• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Hypertension
• Certain types of cancer
• Sleep apnea
• Joint problems

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

To maintain a healthy weight:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Engage in regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week)
• Limit consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol
• Get adequate sleep
• Manage stress effectively