BMI (Body Mass Index)

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Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used to estimate body fat levels. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. A high value indicates high body fat levels. However, using BMI alone does not give a good assessment of a person’s overall health and the risks they face, so other assessments are often needed.

How to calculate body mass index

Body mass index = Weight (in kilograms)Height2(in meters)

For example, height 156 cm, weight 45 kg, BMI is 18.5 kg/m2 . 

Body mass index 18.5 =451.56 x 1.56

Screening for disease risk using body mass index

People with a BMI below 18.5 are at risk of malnutrition, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, and low immunity, which can make them more susceptible to infections. Additional blood tests can help confirm malnutrition.

People who have a high BMI (overweight or obese) are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, gallstones, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, depression, mental health problems, and cancers of the breast, colon, endometrium, and gallbladder. เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย If your BMI is high, your doctor may order a lipid panel and a comprehensive metabolic panel.

However, some people with a high BMI may not have such health problems, and some people with a normal BMI may have such diseases. This is because body fat levels are not the only factor. There are also genetic factors, family health history, and lifestyle factors.

Limitations of using BMI

The BMI is a simple and quick way to assess body fat, but its use has the following limitations:

  • BMI does not distinguish between muscle mass and fat mass. Some people may have a high BMI because they have a lot of muscle mass.
  • BMI is not suitable for estimating body fat levels in children, adolescents, pregnant women, athletes, bodybuilders, the elderly aged 65 years or older, or people with muscular weakness.
  • BMI cannot determine the location or distribution of body fat. Excess fat accumulation in the abdomen is associated with an increased risk of health problems.

Given these limitations, BMI should be use in conjunction with other assessment methods. Taking into account factors such as family health history. And consulting a physician for a comprehensive and appropriate assessment of health and risk.