My Body Mass Index (BMI) is 40.4, What’s Yours?

That has to be bad, isn’t it? As per the definition I am really really obese, way beyond regular fat guy. Let’s see what the heck is BMI.

What is BMI?

BMI is the ratio of your weight divided by the square of your height (metric system). BMI provides a reliable indicator of body fatness for most people and is used to screen for weight categories that may lead to health problems. BMI does not measure body fat directly, but research has shown that BMI correlates to direct measures of body fat, such as underwater weighing and dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). As such BMI can be considered an alternative for direct measures of body fat. BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of screening for weight categories that may lead to health problems.

How is BMI used?

BMI is used as a screening tool to identify possible weight problems for adults. However, BMI is not a diagnostic tool. For example, a person may have a high BMI. However, to determine if excess weight is a health risk, a healthcare provider would need to perform further assessments. These assessments might include skinfold thickness measurements, evaluations of diet, physical activity, family history, and other appropriate health screenings.

BMI is only one factor related to risk for disease. For assessing someone’s likelihood of developing overweight- or obesity-related diseases, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines recommend looking at two other predictors:

1. The individual’s waist circumference (because abdominal fat is a predictor of risk for obesity-related diseases).
2. Other risk factors the individual has for diseases and conditions associated with obesity (for example, high blood pressure or physical inactivity).

I should score high on both counts.

What does BMI over 30 (Obese) signify?

Individuals with a BMI over 30 are in a physically unhealthy condition, which puts them at risk for serious ilnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, and some cancers. These persons would benefit greatly by modifying their lifestyle.

So I guess this is the time for lifestyle changes for me. Let’s see if I can win this war.